Milton Public Library History

	1870 Although there had been library societies in Milton since the late 1700’s, the first public library was created when the 1870 Town Meeting voted “That the Town appropriate the sum of $3000 for a Public Library, to be paid to the Trustees when a like amount has been raised by subscription or donation…” The library was opened in February of 1871 after space had been rented at $150 per year in the Edmund J. Baker Building on Wharf Street.
	1882 The library moved to the Associates Building. In 1883 a reading room was established in East Milton above Babcock’s Store. 1890 was the first year in which a card catalog was implemented. The first professional librarian, Miss Gertrude E. Forrest, was hired in 1900.
	1904 26 Citizens of the town collectively purchased the parcel of land at the corner of Canton Ave. and Reedsdale Road and gave it to the town for construction of a new library. The Town Meeting voted $50,000 for construction in 1902, and the cornerstone was laid that year. The building opened on June 11, 1904. The total cost was $75,034.22, including a $21,000 gift from Nathaniel T. Kidder, and a further $4000 town appropriation for furnishings. Branches were built on Blue Hill Parkway in 1929 and East Milton in 1931.
1958 A 4000 square foot addition was erected at the rear of the stack wing, bringing the total library size to 26,000 square feet. The addition was designed to accommodate three levels, but only two were built, with the expectation that the third would be added shortly.

Improvements

1988

Major handicapped access improvements included an elevator added to the rear of the main library addition and access ramps at all three locations. The main building roof was replaced with an elasometric roof membrane system.

1998

The Children’s room was refurbished, with new lighting, stacks, carpet, desk and office areas. The shelving will be usable in the renovated library.