A Tale of Three Libraries

In the heart of Concord’s monumental civic district are three very different, very special libraries that tell three different tales: One the State Library, next to the Tuck Library, which is around the corner from the City Library… all are open to explore!

The New Hampshire State Library is the first state library in America, founded on January 25, 1717.

The New Hampshire State Library is the first state library in America, founded on January 25, 1717. Originally housed in Portsmouth, the state library has been here in Concord since 1808. Its current building opened in 1895, and also housed the New Hampshire Supreme Court until 1970. The building has a grand style, and is open to the public. It once featured an Italianate tower that stood in full view of the governor’s office window. One governor did not care for the tower, and ordered it removed.

The Concord Public Library is an art Deco gem, a real rare bird in New Hampshire. The original city library gave way to the 1938 State House Annex, so a new library building was dedicated in January 1940. Built of granite, with a more subdued late Deco style, the Library’s streamline look and clean lines define a real landmark worth visiting.

The New Hampshire Historical Society’s 1911 Tuck Library, is well worth a visit for its grandeur and collections. This 1909-1911 landmark building, funded by Edward and Julia Tuck, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, The Tuck Library building is home to exhibits about New Hampshire’s history. The Tucks asked architect Guy Lowell (who also designed the Boston Museum of Fine Arts) to design a elegant fireproof library for the Society “embodying the best of its kind.” The Neo-Classical building, with exterior of local granite juxtaposed an interior of fine Italian marble.

The Concord Public Library was built in 1940.

The New Hampshire Historical Society’s 1911 Tuck Library,