Northborough Free Library

34 Main Street
Northborough MA 01532

Phone: 508-393-5025
Email: [email protected]

---

Description:
The Northborough Free Library was founded in 1868. Captain Cyrus Gale contributed $1000 to the start of a public library, which was housed in the town hall. The brick building in the center of town, facing Rt. 135 (South St.), is a replica of that original building. Prior to 1868, there were “social” libraries, church libraries, and an agricultural library. Many of these libraries required an annual fee or membership. The word “free” in the library’s official name indicates that no membership fee is required.

The library outgrew its space in the former town hall. In 1894 Cyrus Gale Jr., the captain’s son, donated the land at 34 Main St. to build a separate library where it stands today. He donated $30,000 for its construction.

In 1975 the Town tripled the space of the library with an addition that cost $613,000, excluding furnishings. The Town approved plans for a further expansion at the 2000 Annual Town Meeting. The library will be accepting a $2.2 million state construction grant this year; construction should start in 2006.