The History of the Whitman Public Library

In 1879, a group of determined citizens in Whitman—then called South Abington—advocated for the establishment of a free public library. At that year’s Town Meeting, voters approved $500 to fund the project and appointed five individuals to lead the initiative.

The Whitman Public Library first opened in a room within the Village Hall, housing 1,400 donated books. By 1882, the town hired its first librarian, William Vining, with a salary of $1,000. By 1886, a dedicated reading room was added, furnished with tables and chairs, and the collection expanded to include magazines, newspapers, and reference materials. In 1908, the library moved to the newly built Town Hall, where it remained for nearly 75 years.

In 1930, Miss Mary Ella Pierce left $5,000 to the library. Upon her niece's passing, an additional $32,500 was bequeathed. Miss Pierce also gifted a bookcase and over 200 volumes, helping the library thrive during the 1940s and 1950s. Her generosity enabled the creation of a Children’s Room and the Mattie Jenkins Genealogical Room, repurposing upstairs space in the Town Hall.

By 1982, it became clear the library had outgrown its Town Hall location. The Board of Library Trustees proposed a new building, and a community needs survey in 1983 showed overwhelming support for the project. By 1988, the new Whitman Public Library was completed on the site of the former Dyer School.

The library continues to evolve to meet the community’s needs. Generous endowments, such as a trust fund of over $300,000 from Carleton P. and Lillian F. Burrill and $9,000 from the Poole Family, have enabled technological advancements and enhanced services. Additional contributions from individuals have further supported the library’s mission.

The Trustees, Director, and staff of the Whitman Public Library are committed to delivering outstanding service to the community. They work tirelessly to provide top-quality facilities, programming, and resources while ensuring cost-efficiency. Together, they uphold the library’s mission to enrich the lives of Whitman’s residents through continuous growth and innovation.