Nichols Library Celebrates 113 Years

In June 1910, the Town of Center Harbor received a most generous gift from James Edwin Nichols: a public library! On Saturday, June 17, 2023, the Nichols Memorial Library will mark its 113th year with a special anniversary celebration from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Everyone is invited! Children will be entertained with stories and crafts. Staff will give tours of this beautiful, classic library building, which is listed on the Federal Register of Historic Places. And, of course, there will be singing of “Happy Birthday” to live music and delicious birthday cake!

James Edwin Nichols was the proverbial local boy who made good as a successful businessman in the wholesale grocery business during the late 1800s. Nichols was persuaded by Smith F. Emery, a leading citizen of Center Harbor, to purchase the site of the former Senter House Hotel on the corner of Plymouth and Main Streets, which had burned down, for a town public library. Not only did Nichols buy the property, he decided to build the library and hired the renowned architect Charles Brigham to design it. From the Tuscan columns framing the entrance to the Addison Le Boutillier tiles gracing the fireplace, James

Nichols clearly spared no expense in the building of his library, which has been judged one of the finest classical library buildings in New Hampshire. Nichols dedicated the library to the memory of his parents Robert and Huldah Nichols. His gift was to show his profound appreciation for his early life in the Village of Center Harbor. At the dedication ceremony on June 18, 1910, Nichols hoped: “To make this Library open and free to all, not only to the residents of the town of Center Harbor, but equally so to the people and children of the surrounding towns, and that a most earnest and cordial welcome may be extended to the summer cottages and visitors.” To this day, Nichols Memorial Library offers its services to everyone at no charge. Please join us in celebrating James E. Nichols’ special gift for our community on June 17th.

Located at 35 Plymouth Street, the Nichols Memorial Library is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm and Saturday 10:00am to 1:00pm. Closed Wednesday. For more information, please contact the Library at 603-2536950 or centerharborlibrary@gmail. com.

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