Nuestra misión

More Than 175 Years of Learning, Access & Community

Lawrence Public Library’s story spans more than 175 years of change, growth, and service. From the creation of the Franklin Library Association in 1847 to today’s Main Library and South Lawrence Branch, the Library has evolved alongside the city—expanding access to knowledge, responding to new technologies, and serving generations of Lawrence residents.

Indigenous Land Acknowledgement

Lawrence Public Library acknowledges that the land on which we gather is part of the ancestral homelands of Indigenous peoples of the Merrimack Valley, including the Pennacook. We recognize their enduring connection to this region and honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples, past and present. We encourage our community to continue learning about the Indigenous history of the Merrimack Valley and the many contributions Indigenous peoples have made and continue to make.

Our History Through the Year

1847

The Franklin Library Association

The Franklin Library Association was formed on March 31, 1847, with Capt. Charles H. Bigelow serving as its first president. Abbott Lawrence contributed $1,000 toward the purchase of books, followed by an additional $5,000 after his death in 1855.

Buildings That Tell Our History

1892 Library

Built in 1892 and designed by architect George G. Adams, the Old Public Library is a Richardsonian Romanesque landmark in Lawrence. It served as the city’s public library until 1973, when the current Main Library opened.

1927 South Lawrence Branch

The South Lawrence Branch first opened on August 1, 1898, in rented space at 160 South Broadway near the railroad station. A permanent branch building was later constructed to replace the original location.

1973 Library

The current three-story Main Library, located at Lawrence and Haverhill Streets across from Campagnone Common, was dedicated on June 10, 1973.

Today

A welcoming center for learning, creativity, and connection in the heart of Lawrence.

A Lasting Legacy: The White Fund

Established in 1852 by Judge Daniel Appleton White, the White Fund has played an important role in the development of Lawrence Public Library. Its support helped provide books and materials, contributed land and funding associated with the early Library, supported expansion, and helped establish a lasting relationship between public education and the Library in Lawrence.

Library Leadership Through The Years

Since the establishment of the Free Public Library in 1872, generations of library leaders have helped guide Lawrence Public Library through periods of growth, change, and transformation.

Library Directors, 1872–Present William I. Fletcher — 1872–1874 Frederic K. Hedge — 1874–1901 William A. Walsh — 1901–1938 Richard L. Sullivan — 1938–1956 John A. Griffin — 1957–1975 James Kennedy — 1975–1982 Barbara DeYoung — 1982–1984 Joseph R. Dionne — 1984–1999 David Hildt — Acting Director, 2000 Sharon Doyle — Acting Director, 2001–2002 Javier Corredor — 2002–2004 Maureen Nimmo — 2004–2016 Kemal Bozkurt — Acting Director, 2016 Jessica Vilas Novas — 2016–2022 Janelle Abreu — 2022–Present

The Story Continues

More than 175 years after its beginnings, Lawrence Public Library continues to grow and evolve alongside the community it serves. New technologies, changing formats, expanding programs, and new ways of learning have transformed how people use the Library, while its commitment to access, knowledge, discovery, and connection remains constant.

As Lawrence continues to change, the Library continues to preserve its history, respond to the needs of today, and create new opportunities for future generations.

Explore Lawrence’s History
Discover photographs, newspapers, manuscripts, genealogical resources, archives, and other materials that document the people, places, and events that have shaped Lawrence.

Explore Special Collections