PASCOAG PUBLIC LIBRARY

 HISTORY

Pascoag Public Library was the first library in the town of Burrillville.  It began in 1871 by a group of women who called themselves the Pascoag Union Sewing Society.

In 1873 they renamed themselves to the Ladies Pascoag Library Association, appointed a librarian, and purchased 163 books which were housed in the librarian's local store.

The library moved four times between 1883 and 1899 when Samuel Mellor offered the use of a room rent-free over his mill office on Sayles Avenue in Pascoag, where it remained until 1913 when it moved to the Steere building on Main Street in Pascoag.

At this time charges associated with the loan of books were discontinued and the library became known as the Pascoag Free Public Library.

A bequest of $500 from Miss Rosamond A. Steere was given stipulating that the money be used for a free public library building within ten years.  This started the building fund which grew through numerous fundraisers and donations.

The present home of the Pascoag Public Library at 57 Church Street in Pascoag was erected in 1924.  The library is still privately owned by the Ladies Pascoag Library Association and governed by the Board of Trustees which is still composed of all women.