The Goss Reading Room was established in 1907 with funds bestowed by Dr. Ossian W. Goss. After the Great Lakeport Fire of 1903 destroyed 108 homes including his home at 188 Elm Street in Lakeport, NH, Dr. Goss intended to rebuild his home but in the event that his death preceded his plans, he signed his will in September 1903 proposing to replace the reading rooms his Lakeport community no longer had access to with a new building for reading rooms and bestowed the funds to maintain it.  Soon after, Dr. Goss died in 1903.

The Goss Reading Rooms were built and with little fanfare, opened on April 8, 1907.  This little gem was listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings in 1986.

Over the years, the Goss has served many generations in the Lakeport community.  Loyal fans celebrated the 100th Anniversary with a lawn party in 2007. 

Today it is a branch of the Laconia Public Library with their trustees managing Dr. Goss' funds.  It has become handicapped without accessible parking and struggles to serve its users.  In 2010, its still loyal fans organized  Friends of the Goss Reading Room with a goal to promote and increase its users and use and to offer support in all ways possible.

The Goss Reading Room, 188 Elm Street, Lakeport, NH  (603) 524- 3808 is located at the corner of Franklin and Elm Streets in Lakeport and is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 - 5  p.m.

Watch for monthly events!

Be one of our friends!

Contact:

Friends of the Goss Reading Room,

c/o 47 Whipple Avenue,

 Laconia, NH 03246,

(603)524-7683 or [email protected]