In November 1829, the Kensington Library Society was organized with the purchase of 40 books. The Secretary’s book begins: “We the subscribers sensible of the benefits resulting to the community from the establishment of a public library have associated ourselves for the accomplishment of this object and adopted the following constitution.” The Kensington Congregational Church housed the library, sometimes in a cupboard under the stairs and at other times in a church pew. Among the subscribers were the Peck and Moore families. In 1874, the Kensington Library Society paid $3.50 for the use of Hart’s Hall to house the library. Three years later, in 1877, the library moved to a room in the Berlin Savings Bank. In 1890, the collection was moved back to the Kensington Congregational Church.
In 1900, Susan A. Peck was prominent and untiring among those who worked for the construction of a new library building. Through her efforts, she convinced her cousin Henry Hart Peck to donate the funds for a new building if a suitable location could be found. On May 3, 1901, the Kensington Library Society incorporated in order to receive land donated from Miss Harriet Hotchkiss and Mrs. Fannie Hotchkiss Jones. The land was tucked between the Hotchkiss and Moore family homes on Main Street. On November 5, 1902, the Peck Memorial Library building was dedicated with a building approximately 1,680 square feet and a collection of 1,120 books.
In 1963, Lyman Hall breathed new life into the library. Through his efforts, an addition was made to the library building with funding from the Marjorie Moore Charitable Foundation. Marjorie Moore had been one of the incorporators of the library in 1901 and for over 50 years she was the secretary to the Kensington Library Society. Upon her death in 1957, she left a trust fund to Kensington. Lyman Hall hired the first professional librarian as Library Director and helped transform the library into a modern facility. For the first time, story times, travelogues, and summer reading clubs were offered. The expanded building had 3,520 square feet and a collection of approximately 7,000 books.
In a short time, the library outgrew both the addition and the original building. In 1986, Blanche Johnson Delaney led the negotiations so that the Town of Berlin took over the private library. For the first time, the Town of Berlin had a truly public library. Blanche Johnson Delaney and David Borthwick oversaw the building of a new facility near the Town Hall. On October 2, 1989, the new Berlin-Peck Memorial Library was opened and dedicated. The new building has 21,655 square feet on the main floor with a full basement for expansion in the future. The library collection had 58,669 items with a circulation of 108,041.
Today, in 2014, the library is outgrowing the first floor of the building and there are plans for expansion to the basement. The library’s collection holds over 99,000 items with a circulation of over 196,000.
2nd Annual Poetry & Art Exhibit This Spring, the Berlin-Peck Library will be hosting a multi-generational poetry and art exhibit on the theme of growing! Artwork submitted by patrons and inspired by the theme will be assigned to a poet…
Read More »Do you miss summer reading? So do we! While the summer sun might be taking a break, your reading journey doesn't have to. We believe that every season is book season, and we've got a fantastic way for you to keep the reading momentum going.…
Read More »Berlin-Peck Memorial Library Children's Department Newsletter January Booking Around Brrrlin! Wednesday, December 27th- Saturday, January 27th All Ages The Berlin-Peck Memorial Library’s Children’s/Teen Departments are…
Read More »The Berlin-Peck Memorial Library’s Children’s/Teen Departments are excited to announce the return of our community-wide scavenger hunt, this time with a frosty twist! It runs from December 27, 2023, to January 27, 2024, and people of all…
Read More »The Library is celebrating the season with our annual Gingerbread House Contest! All ages can participate. To keep everything fair, we have two categories—one category for adults/teens and one for children. And you can work together in…
Read More »Sit & Knit Thursday, December 7 + 21, 6:00 pm Thursday, December 14 + 28, 1:00 pm We are a friendly and welcoming group of all skill levels from beginner to advanced. It’s a great opportunity to trade knitting tips and tricks and to…
Read More »Berlin-Peck Memorial Library Teen Services December & January Newsletter We wish you all Happy Holidays & a Happy New Year! Interested in Volunteering at the Library this Fall? Teen Advisory Board Mondays, December…
Read More »Wiggles & Giggles Storytime Tuesdays, December 5th & 12th 10:30 am Ages Birth- 23 mos. No registration required. Join us for a storytime that focuses on developing pre-literacy skills with nursery rhymes, songs,…
Read More »Children's Department Newsletter (DiNo)vember Wiggles & Giggles Storytime Tuesdays, November 7th, 14th & 28th 10:30 am Ages Birth- 23 mos. No registration required. Join us for a storytime that focuses on…
Read More »Library Director's Message Hello! Ahhh...the rustle of leaves in the air reminds me of my favorite poem by Robert Frost titled Nothing Gold Can Stay. As you can tell by the title, the poem is a reference to the changing of seasons, and I love how…
Read More »Girls Who Code Club Wednesday, October 18th 4:30 - 5:30 PM Grades 3 - 5 *Registration is required. You’re invited to join the Girls Who Code* movement! Girls Who Code Clubs are spaces where students can join a group…
Read More »Library Director's Message Hello! It’s the beginning of September – summer temps may not be over, but the leaves are rustling as I write this and that sounds like back to school. Do you have everything you need? Bouquet of pencils?…
Read More »Summer Reading has come to a close and we can't thank you enough for reading with us! Whether you explored new books, programs, or challenges (or all of the above), we hope you enjoyed an Out of this World Summer at the Library. You all worked hard…
Read More »Berlin-Peck Memorial Library Teen Services Thank you to all our teens who participated in our Teen Scratch Ticket Challenge and Out of this World Reading Challenge! You're Out of this World! 817 Scratch Tickets were redeemed this summer! Wow!…
Read More »Library Director's Message Hello! The last days of “summer.” The time for one last hurrah. The calm before the storm that is the first day of school. Finally, some sunshine! (That’s what I’m saying this year.) August can…
Read More »It's almost that time of year again! Children's Summer Reading Programs Rubber Ducky Club and Read & Bead (& the Teen Scratch Ticket Challenge) END on Friday, August 11th! Participants will be able to redeem beads and prizes through August…
Read More »Library Director's Message Hello! I hope your summer is off to a great start! July is typically synonymous with fireworks, fun, and freedom (Our nation’s independence, and of course freedom to read!) And it’s our busiest time of…
Read More »Children's Summer Reading @ Berlin-Peck Memorial Library Summer Reading is in full swing! There is still time to sign-up in the Children's Department for the Rubber Ducky Club (Birth-Pre-K) or to get your Read & Bead (Grades K-5) necklaces…
Read More »My Hometown Art Project Capture your favorite places in Berlin! The Town of Berlin's Economic Development department has teamed up with the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library for a special town-wide tiny art project! Pick up a free tiny canvas at the…
Read More »Sign Up Online Rules & Info Newsletter Record your reading for a chance to win raffle prizes! Raffles will be held weekly starting at the end of June. Each book you read earns you 1 virtual raffle ticket to one of nine fantastic raffle…
Read More »Rubber Ducky Club Birth - Preschool You are your child's first teacher! Studies show that children with an environment rich in listening to books, sounds, and letters enter school ready to learn. Complete 10 days of early literacy activities and…
Read More »Berlin-Peck Memorial Library Teen Services Summer Reading starts June 12th! Middle and High Schoolers are invited to take part in our Teen Scratch Ticket Challenge. Earn small and medium prizes or the chance to win an Amazon Gift Card or Mystery…
Read More »Library Director's Message Hello! This month marks my two-year anniversary as the director of the Berlin Peck Library. I could not have asked for a better community to serve and I’m so happy to be here. I know for sure we have some of…
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Read More »Our library is getting new carpeting! We are excited about this upgrade that will provide a more welcoming and comfortable space for all our visitors. Installation will begin on May 15 and take place during the library’s open hours. We…
Read More »News & Events Summer Reading starts June 12th! Middle and High Schoolers are invited to take part in our Teen Scratch Ticket Challenge. Earn small and medium prizes or the chance to win an Amazon Gift Card or Mystery Raffle Basket by checking…
Read More »The library will be closed on Monday, May 29th for Memorial Day! The library will be undergoing some updates throughout the month of May that will limit the number of programs we are able to provide to our community: Fresh paint, brand new…
Read More »Library Director's Message Hello, Here at the library, we are busy gearing up for summer reading...and anxiously awaiting our new carpet! The library will be getting some much-needed updates in the month of May that will limit the number of…
Read More »Berlin-Peck Memorial Library Teen Services April & May 2023 News & Events 1st Annual Poetry and Art Exhibit Located in the Library Meeting Room from April 10th-29th. Join us for an Exhibit Reception & Poetry Reading on Wednesday,…
Read More »Super Duper Sticker Swap! Tuesday April 11th @ 2:00 PM Grades K+ Registration begins 4/4 Bring stickers, swap stickers, and discover new stickers at our Super Duper Sticker Swap! All participants will receive their own blank sticker book to…
Read More »Berlin-Peck Memorial Library presents: This April the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library Children’s/Teen Departments will be hosting a poetry and art exhibit on the theme of water! Poetry written by young patrons will be assigned to a youth…
Read More »Hello, It’s March and I’m ready for something new. Perhaps it’s the long winter with little snow that has me waiting impatiently for the tulips and daffodils. While I wait, there are new computers that were recently installed…
Read More »March is National Reading Month! "The evidence has become so overwhelming that social scientists now consider read-aloud time one of the most important indicators of a child's prospects in life." --Meghan Cox Gurdhon, The Enchanted Hour: The…
Read More »Library Director's Message Hello, F is for February and finances! For those of you starting to think about your taxes – we're here for you. AARP Tax Aide begins on February 14. We’re grateful for the partnership with AARP, now in its…
Read More »Berlin-Peck Memorial Library Children's Department - February 2023 Take Your Child to the Library Day(s) Saturday, February 4 - Tuesday, February 7 Visit us at the library for crafts* and a special scavenger hunt to celebrate! Take Your…
Read More »Berlin-Peck Memorial Library Teen Services - February & March 2023 News & Events Books & Bites: Nutmeg Book Club Tuesday, February 7th & March 7th 6:30-7:30 PM Join us in reading and discussing The Silver Arrow by Lev Grossman…
Read More »Library Director's Message Hello, Happy new year! The start of a new year is a wonderful time to consider both what we’ve accomplished and what lies ahead in our work and in our lives. Personally, I’m not one for resolutions, but I…
Read More »Do You Wanna Build A Snowman?: Winter Reading Challenge December 27th-January 21st Preschool-Grades 5 Build your own snowman as you read for 20 minutes a day from Dec. 27th-Jan. 21st! Turn in your snowman reading log to the Children's…
Read More »Do You Wanna Build A Snowman: Winter Reading Challenge December 27th-January 21st Preschool-Grades 5 Build your own snowman as you read for 20 minutes a day from Dec. 27th-Jan. 21st! Turn in your snowman reading log to the Children's…
Read More »Library Director's Message It’s December and that means one thing: gift-giving season is upon us. No matter how or what you celebrate, it’s hard to escape the commercialization of the month. You might also be thinking: Did I read all…
Read More »News & Events Makerspace Now Open! Stop by the Makerspace December 14th from 5:30-7:30 for gaming, building, and crafting! Grades 6 & Up. No registration required! Drop-In: Games Unplugged December 15th January 12th & 26th…
Read More »Library Director's Message If November makes you think of holidays and Hallmark movies, you’re in luck! This year we are partnering with Berlin Social Services to be a drop-off site for their holiday food drive. The details are listed below.…
Read More »Dino-vember is going to be Dino-mite! Visit the Children's Department Nov. 1st-19th to discover fun dinosaur crafts, books, and a SUPER scavenger hunt great for all ages! Wiggles & Giggles (Ages Birth - 23 Months) Tuesdays, November 8, 15,…
Read More »BE A MAKERSPACE MENTOR! Do you like working with children? Do you love video gaming, crafting, building, robotics, coding, and/or making in general? If you’re in grades 6-12, consider applying to be a Makerspace Mentor! Makerspace Mentors…
Read More »News & Events Drop-In Activity Games Unplugged! (Gr. 4+) October 6th & 17th November 7th & 17th 6:00-7:30 PM Come hang in the Children's Department for a drop-in Tabletop and Party Game Night! A variety of games will be…
Read More »NEW! The Library Can Help Children Bee Ready for Kindergarten Gale Presents: Miss Humblebee’s Academy is an interactive, online preschool curriculum. It fosters early literacy skills in children ages 3 to 6—setting them up for…
Read More »Hello, What do freshly sharpened pencils, library cards, and pirates have in common? They are celebrated in September! (Ok, sharpened pencils are technically only celebrated by me, but they are a universal symbol of back-to-school!) And now, so is…
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