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In 1792 the Shrewsbury Social Library was formed by a group of "Propri etors" who

shared their books and literary interests.

In 1872 the town voted to provide funds for the establishment of a Free Public Library

in a room in the Town House. Trustees were elected and the Proprietors of

the Social Library presented their collection to them . Several gifts of books

were received and a librarian was chosen to keep the library open every Saturday

from 1-5 p.m. and from 6-9 p.m. except in the winter, when it closed at 8 p om.

During 1972 the library is celebrating its 100th anniversary with banners and

bunting, with posters and publicity .

The Centennial Committee of the Board of Trustees invited the participation of all

local and state officials, organizations and friends.

A flag which had flown over the Capitol in Washington was presented by Congressman

Donahue to the library director while photographs were taken which included the

Trustee's Committee, the Selectmen, the Town Manager and the Town Cler k. This was

publicized in the local papers .

The Committee organized a poster contest among the school children . The posters

were shown in town business establishments and a distinguished panel of judges

selected the winners.

An open house and tea was held on Sunday, April 30th from 3-5 p.m. Trustees and

staff were hosts and hostesses . Lady Trustees poured . Girl Scouts acted as guides .

Historic scenes of the town were shown on a slide projector . There were exhibits

and a display of the citations and proclamations sent by the Governor, the Secretary

of State and the Town Selectmen. Flowers were arranged by the Garden Club and

friends . Many interested women cooperated to provide a delightful tea.

The program was presented by the Chairman of the Trustee's Committee, who accepted

gifts from local organizations and introduced the many officials and prominent

citizens who attended. Prizes were presented the winners of the poster contest by

Miss Worcester County.

The decorations have been red, white and blue and the centennial brochure planned

and arranged by the staff is also in these colors. The brochure gives the history

of the library: Social Library - 1792, Free Public Library - 1872, Howe Memorial

Library erected in 1903, Artemas Ward Annex erected in 1923; and the hours: Adult

Department, Monday through Friday - 10 a.m. to 9 p .mo; Saturday - 10 a.m . to 6 p.m . ,

Children's Room, Monday through Saturday - 10 a.m. to 6 p . m. except Thursday -

10 a.m . to 9 p.m. The Bookmobile is in service every week day afternoon, one evening

and two mornings. The services include: framed art prints which may be borrowed

for three months, the Artemas Ward Collection of historical interest, an extensive

circulating collection of college catalogs, a coin operated copier, ~egional

films which are programmed through our library, the back issues of over one hundred

magazines and newspapers, which may be borrowed; microfilm and newspapers to be

read in the library, and records - a collection of classical, jazz, folk and spoken

records in the Music Room, with its own card catalog. These are borrowed for two

weeks with one renewal possible, just as the books are . There are two reference

rooms and there is a library hall which is available for cultural meetings without

charge during library hours.