Captain Willian Dickson Burnham dies, leaving a generous bequest to the town of Bridgewater to build a school and a library.
The dedication of Burnham Library occurred on this date, with the unveiling of a plaque honoring Captain Burnham and a keynote address by the Honorable Hiram Bingham. The Greek Revival- style building (quite popular at the time) was constructed of Mine Hill granite from Roxbury and capped in a green…
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Burnham Library extends operating hours of the Children’s Library in the summer. At last, the Children’s Room is provided with heat and electric power.
Jane Pratt presents a plan to the Board on the creation of a walkway between the school and the library.
Van Wyck Brooks, Bridgewater resident, American literary critic and author, passes away. In September, the Library Board discusses its first annual town appeal and forms a subcommittee to plan a library expansion in his honor, initially envisioned as a museum for manuscripts and artifacts.
An article goes out in the Saturday Review asking for pledges for the Van Wyck Brooks Memorial Wing.
Free from the expectations of the Adult Library, Alice Rothschild, teacher and librarian, officially founded the Children’s Library. She created a space for children to read, learn, and grow.
The Van Wycks Memorial Fund receives an unexpected $300,000 bequest from Charles E. Piggott, a reclusive Los Angeles resident with no connection to Bridgewater.
Burton Bernstein, a longtime Bridgewater resident, publishes an article on the Piggott Bequest in the December 18,1978 issue of the New Yorker. (Piggott Bequest scrapbook at the library for full story.)
Burnham Library celebrates it’s 75th Anniversary. Children’s activities, including a display of vintage cars and trucks, are held on Saturday, August 4, while adult programs and the All Bridgewater Artists show take place on Sunday, August 5. A total of 11 events are held throughout July and August.
Captain Burnham Day was celebrated with a treasure hunt, antique cars, a horse and surrey, and period games that brought history to life.
Burnham Library celebrates a fresh new look! Following a space assessment with T2 Studios, the main level is redesigned with new carpeting (generously funded by an anonymous donor), a Friends- funded Welcome Wall, fresh paint, inviting seating, study nooks, and a TeenSpace- goodbye, green carpet!
Thanks to funding from the Town and a STEAP Grant, the library’s roof is completely replaced. With this milestone behind us, preparations are underway to ready the building for its spectacular centennial celebration!