Gilmanton Iron Works Library Association

The Gilmanton
Iron Works Library began as the Gilmanton Public Library in 1896. The
commercial building where the Library was located was destroyed in the fire of
1915, but thankfully, many of the books were saved.

 

Later in 1915
the Gilmanton Iron Works Library Association was incorporated, with the purpose
of constructing and maintaining a separate building for the public
library.  With the help of many
volunteers, the building was finished and the library opened to the public on
August 11, 1917.

 

The Gilmanton
Iron Works Library was added to the National Register of Historic Places in
1989 under the category of architecture. It is described as “an attractive
small library building, notable for its pleasing design and simple but
effective ornament, and as the first public library building in Belknap County
to use the Colonial Revival style.”

 

As a public
charity our primary mission is to provide free library services to the
community and maintain the library building. A small group of volunteers
maintains the building and the library’s collections.

 

We have been
working with the NH Preservation Alliance to complete a building study to
prioritize the work needed to restore the library. Donations made during the
2025 NH Gives event will be added to our building fund.

Who We Are

As a public charity our primary mission is to provide free library services to the community and maintain the library building. A small group of volunteers maintains the building and the library’s collection of books and DVD’s.

The Gilmanton Iron Works Library began as the Gilmanton Public Library in 1896. The commercial building where the library was located was destroyed in the fire of 1915, but thankfully, many of the books were saved. Later in 1915 the Gilmanton Iron Works Library Association was incorporated, with the purpose of constructing and maintaining a separate building for the public library. With the help of many volunteers, the building was finished and the library opened to the public on August 11, 1917. The Gilmanton Iron Works Library was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 under the category of architecture. It is described as “an attractive small library building, notable for its pleasing design and simple but effective ornament, and as the first public library building in Belknap County to use the Colonial Revival style.