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HOURS OF OPERATION
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Main Library
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Endicott Branch
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43 Church Street
(781) 751-9284 |
257 Mount Vernon Street
(781) 751-9178 |
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Monday 10am - 9pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm Wednesday 10am - 9pm Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday CLOSED Sunday CLOSED |
Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 1pm - 9pm Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday CLOSED |
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DIRECTIONS
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Main Library
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Endicott Branch
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Driving south on Rte. 128:
• Get off at exit 16A, merge onto For directions from your specific destination, CLICK HERE to use Google Maps.
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Driving south on Rte. 128:
• Take exit 15A toward Dedham/RT-1A For directions from your specific destination, CLICK HERE to use Google Maps. |
The town minister kept the books in his house, issuing them for circulation only on Mondays.
In 1807, the library had 87 volumes; in 1838, 230 volumes; in 1860, 500 volumes. In 1856, the books were moved to the vestry of the First Parish Church and were circulated on Sundays, with Jonathan D. Cobb as the first librarian. In 1860, the library became open to all residents.
On November 24, 1854, Dedham residents founded the Dedham Library Association. The new library, which opened February 1, 1855, was housed at 630 High Street, with Dr. Samuel Adams as the new librarian.
An act of legislature chartered the present Dedham Public Library on March 24, 1871. The Library Association endowed 2,977 books to the new building, a rented room over Thomas J. Baker's store on the corner of Court and Norfolk Streets. Francis M. Mann, a long-time member of the Library Association, was elected as the librarian.
In 1886, Hannah Shuttleworth left a $10,000 bequest to the library which allowed the purchase of land for $2,000 - the current site on the corner of Church and Norfolk Streets. Boston architects Van Brunt and Howe designed the main library with a Romanesque/Southern France style; the exterior is Dedham pink granite and red sandstone trim.
The Trustees approved the addition of a children's room in 1916, and Edith H. Smith became the first children's librarian. In 1952, an entire children's wing was added, along with a renovation of the adult department and a new main entrance on Church Street. This is the current state of the main library.
The Endicott Branch was added in 1969.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Dedham Public Library is to provide for the informational, educational, cultural and entertainment needs of the community. The library seeks to promote knowledge, understanding, and wisdom by providing all residents with free access to a variety of materials and services. Special emphasis is placed on stimulating an interest in and appreciation for reading in young children.
Copyright © 2011 Dedham Public Library