1754
The town of Lincoln is formed as an independent town from parts of Concord, Weston and Lexington.
1798
- The first private social library is formed by the Proprietors, a group of 26 Lincoln men who incorporate under a 1798 Massachusetts statute for the management of social libraries.
- Samuel Hoar is elected as the first librarian.
1804
The librarian receives a $2 stipend, and patrons are allowed to borrow two books at a time.
1812
An annual meeting is held to vote on the disposal of books and property.
1821
The second social library is formed.
1830
Lincoln Lyceum is formed.
1840
- The Lincoln Agricultural Library, along with Sabbath and district school libraries, includes three female shareholders—unlike the first library (1840s – 1860s).
- The second social library is discontinued, and a third is established. The library is open on the first Monday of each month from 2-9pm, and for one hour every Sunday after meeting.
1870
- Eliza Rotch Farrar donates approximately 1,000 books.
- At a town meeting, it is decided that the room in the town hall used for the high school would serve as the library.
1871
- The free public library is opened, with Lydia Jane (Jennie) Chapin, age 19, serving as librarian.
- Annual membership is $60.
- The library is open one day a week—Saturdays from 3-5pm and 7-9pm.
- Minors over 12 may check out books with written parental approval.
- Each book features a bookplate outlining the library rules.
1883
The library’s collection tops 3,000 volumes.
1909
A vote approves the installation of a telephone in the library.
1932
Dorothy Hill becomes the first female trustee.
1933
Children under 12 are permitted library cards, at the discretion of the librarian.
1934
The library celebrates its 50th anniversary!
1958
- A building addition is constructed, and a Citizens’ Advisory Committee—Friends of the Library—is formed.
- Volunteers quickly become an essential part of library operations.
- The library also hosts its first children’s story hour.
1959
- Heddie Kent is appointed as the library’s first children’s librarian.
- A new addition, designed by Hoover and Hill, is dedicated, featuring a children’s room and expanded circulation space.
- The library also celebrated its 75th anniversary!
1978
A mimeograph machine is introduced at the library for duplicating materials.
1982
Mrs. Aulikki Olsen donates a computer and a printer.
1984
Librarian Jay Daly begins work on MLN.
1986
A new addition designed by Graham Gund replaces the Hoover and Hill addition.
2005
Home delivery service begins.
2014
eBooks and Kindles are added to the library.
2018
New library cards are designed.
2020
The library shuts down during the COVID-19 pandemic, and contactless pickup begins.
2022
Lincoln Library receives a 5 star award from Library Journal.
