Since 1926, the Burnham Library has stood as a center of community and life-long learning in Bridgewater. Its story begins, not in the handsome stone building that graces our downtown, but scattered in multiple homes, organizations and spaces throughout Bridgewater. The desire to have a place to house a public library was finally realized thanks to the generous bequest of Captain William Dickson Burnham. Since this point, the Burnham Library has continued to keep its vision forward-thinking while being informed and guided by its past.
“Bad libraries build collections.
Good libraries build services.
Great libraries build communities”
–R. David Lankes
The goal of our staff, board and friends is to not just provide an institution rooted in the traditional trappings of libraries, but to create a place for gathering, conversation and community.
Our Mission
“The Burnham Library is a valued regional resource for Bridgewater and surrounding towns, providing a warm friendly environment for lifelong learning, cultural events and community activities. It is responsive to stakeholders needs and uses acknowledged best practices.”
Library Hours and Services
Library Hours
Tuesday
1:00 – 5:00
Wednesday
9:00 – 5:00
Thursday
9:00 – 5:00
Friday
1:00 – 5:00
Saturday
9:00 – 1:00
2020– 2021 Holiday Closings
| Independence Day | Saturday, July 4th |
| Bridgewater Fair 2020 | Cancelled |
| O Silent Night Prep Day | Cancelled |
| Thanksgiving Eve | Wednesday, November 25th close at 1.00 |
| Thanksgiving Day & Thanksgiving Friday | Thursday, November 26th & Friday, 27th |
| Christmas Eve & Christmas Day | Thursday, December 24 & Friday, December 25th |
Library Services
| Interlibrary Loan | |
| Around The Corner Book Store | |
| Public Computers | Including 4 laptops |
| WiFi | |
| Meeting Space | |
| Home bound Service | |
| Printer/Scanner/Copy Machine | Black/White 25¢ per page • Color 50¢ per page |
| Fax Machine | $2.00 first page, $1.00 each additional |
| Paperback Exchange | Take one, leave one! FREE |
| Tech Tutoring | |
| Chromecast Streaming Device | |
| Amazon Kindle Readers |