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.”
Staff
Executive Director
Jean Kallay
jkallay@burnhamlibrary.org
Assistant Director/Programming Director
Chris Fisher
cfisher@burnhamlibrary.org
Youth Services Programmer
Lianne Ambruso
lambruso@burnhamlibrary.org
Public Services Associate
Kathy Conroy
kconroy@burnhamlibrary.org
Public Services Associate
Andrea Rush
arush@burnhamlibrary.org
Board Officers
President
Betsy Perlman
Vice President
Frank Kelly
Secretary
Catherine Flynn
Treasurer
Cheryl Johnson
2020– 2021 Holiday Closings
| Bridgewater Fair 2022 | Saturday, August 20 |
| O Silent Night Prep Day | Saturday, November 12 |
| Thanksgiving Eve | Wednesday, November 23 close at 1.00 |
| Thanksgiving Day & Thanksgiving Friday | Thursday, November 24 & Friday, 25 |
| Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve | Saturday, December 24 & Saturday, December 31 |
| Independence Day 2023 | Tuesday, July 4 |
Library Hours
Tuesday
10:00 – 5:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 5:00
Thursday
10:00 – 5:00
Friday
10:00 – 5:00
Saturday
9:00 – 1:00
Board of Trustees
Howard Altschul
Jane Bernstein
Larina Cipolla
Catherine Flynn
Jim Gustin
Cheryl Johnson
Frank Kelly
Melinda Luke
Russell Marcus
Betsy Perlman
Lisa Lau
Library Services
| Interlibrary Loan | |
| Burnham Library Book Store | |
| Public Computers | Including 4 laptops |
| Public WiFi | |
| Meeting Space | |
| Homebound Service | |
| Printer/Scanner/Copy Machine | Black/White 25¢ per page • Color 50¢ per page |
| Fax Machine | $1.00 per call |
| Paperback Exchange |
Take one, leave one! FREE
|
| Tech Tutoring | |
| Library of Things | |
| Amazon Kindle Readers |