Sandown New Hampshire Public Library History
The Sandown Public Library was established in 1893 after a warrant article was voted upon at Town Meeting by its citizens. Bookshelves were built and installed at the general store by Bartlett Worthen at a labor cost of only $4.95. Thus, the first library was established. Throughout the years, additional locations were utilized until 1974.
At that time, thirty thousand dollars was approved by voters to construct a new library. The state had previously provided the land in 1973, having used the property as a sandpit. Construction began in October 1973, and the Open House was celebrated in March 1974 (1).
In response to a dramatic increase in library usage during the late 1980s, the Sandown Public Library embarked on a long-anticipated expansion progress project that culminated in 1991. Between 1988 and 1990, circulation rose from 13,916 to 17,756, and annual visits grew from 8,306 to 11,204, highlighting the need for additional space in services. The library building committee, active since 1986, led the planning and design process over four years, working with architects in the community to revise plans and reduce costs. The final design added 3648 ft.²- more than doubling the library size at a cost of just over $38 per square foot. The $141,489 project was funded through a combination of $35,000 in private donations, $65,000 in town appropriations, and $40,000 from the library capital reserve. The expanded facility included a dedicated children's room and a reference area with a public access computer.
A dedication ceremony on October 27, 1991, celebrated the completed addition, which was made possible by the tireless effort of volunteers, trustees, and staff. Dr. Paul Densen, who led the committee throughout the project, was recognized for his leadership.
The expansion marked a significant milestone in the library's history enabling it to serve a growing and increasingly engaged community.
In the spring of 2025, the building’s 50th anniversary, a new library sign was designed and constructed. Many thanks to the Friends of the Library for supplementing this endeavor.
This history was compiled by Library Trustee Alternate, Nell Keif.
- Holmes, Richard (1988), “A View from Meetinghouse: Hill A History of Sandown New Hampshire” (pp.352-356) Peter Randall Publisher.
- Densen, Paul M., “Report of the Library Building Committee” in the 1992 Sandown Town Report, Sandown NH.
