New London’s town library has come a long way from its opening in 1897 and in 1900, when it was housed in a single room at the Grange Hall and was supported by a $100 grant from the State of New Hampshire. At that time, there were 312 library cards in use and a circulation of 2,677 volumes. It was in 1900, that local resident Mrs. James Tracy began her long interest in the library by donating subscriptions to a dozen of the leading American magazines.

Mrs. Tracy had earlier purchased the old Morgan Homestead at the corner of South Pleasant and Main Street. This building was used as the Hospital until 1923, when the Hospital moved to its new quarters. Mrs. Tracy then undertook extensive renovations to the old building and transformed it into one of the finest small-town libraries in the country. At the Town Meeting of 1926, the deed to the property passed to the Town, accompanied by a generous gift in trust of $125,000 for the maintenance of the building and library facilities. In its new beautifully renovated quarters and landscaped grounds, the Library became a community center for many kinds of activities.

Since then Tracy Memorial Library has undergone additional refurbishings and renovations, including the “new” Community Gardens at the rear of the building, meant to replicate many of the original gardens. Today, the Library contains 34,400 volumes, circulates 92,066 items per year, and serves a population of 4,438 residents. It is home to many enlightening and fun programs and events; offers a web catalogue; has a wonderful children’s area with special offerings for children of all ages; provides access to innumerable sources of information and continues as an essential part of the New London and area communities.

Visit their website at: Tracy Memorial Library