The Manchester City Library has been a cultural treasure to Manchester and New Hampshire since 1854. In his inaugural address that year, Mayor elect Frederick Smyth proposed the establishment of a free public library for all of Manchester’s citizens. During the previous decade, the Manchester Athenaeum had been used and enjoyed by its members. The Manchester Athenaeum collection was officially transferred to the city on September 6, 1854, bringing to life Mayor Smyth’s dream of a Manchester City Library.

The City Library: The Gift Of Learning by C. N. O’Neil and John A. Brisbin

Click on the image of Mayor Smyth for the Manchester Public Library website.

Click on the image of Elenora Blood Carpenter to link directly to the library history.