History of the Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library

Portrait Miss Susan Walker

Portrait Miss Susan Walker

 1899

The Women’s Library Club of Lovell is organized by Mrs. Frank Swett and Miss Susan Walker to take advantage of the trunks of books sent from the Maine State Library as ‘traveling libraries.’


Group Portrait on steps

Group Portrait on steps

 1901

Women’s Library Club of Lovell officially incorporates.


Portrait of Charlotte in Graduation Gown

Portrait of Charlotte in Graduation Gown

 1902

Charlotte Hobbs graduates from Wellesley College and returns to Lovell.

Born in 1879 in Lovell, Charlotte Hobbs dedicated herself to the people of her village. After graduating from Wellesley College in 1902, she returned to Lovell to teach school, tutor students, and collect historical materials, all the while committed to creating a library for the town. She was the driving force behind the drama productions that raised money to construct our library building. For more than 50 years, Charlotte Hobbs served as our librarian. She was also the village historian and her papers are now in the Lovell Historical Society. After her death in 1969, the Women’s Library Club changed the library’s name to the Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library as a lasting tribute to this remarkable woman.

 


American House

American House

 1903

First of many fundraising dramas put on at The American House, the main hotel in town and the center of 19th century Lovell social life.


American House Fire

American House Fire

1906

Fire destroys The American House; Library Club buys lot for $450.


Drama ‘Old Maid’s Convention’ put on at the VFW.

Drama ‘Old Maid’s Convention’ put on at the VFW.

1906—1907

More dramas put on to raise money to construct our library building.


Old Postcard

Old Postcard

Original Interior

Original Interior

1908

Lovell Public Library opens its doors.


Original Lovell Public Library logo

Original Lovell Public Library logo

1940

Town of Lovell votes to raise $200 for library support for first time.


Fiftieth anniversary: Charlotte Hobbs and ladies on front steps.

Fiftieth anniversary: Charlotte Hobbs and ladies on front steps.

1951

Fiftieth Anniversary


Participants of 2003 Digital Photography Workshop visit Hobbs Family grave.

Participants of 2003 Digital Photography Workshop visit Hobbs Family grave.

1969

After Charlotte Hobbs’ death the Library Club changes the library’s name to The Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library as a lasting tribute to this remarkable woman.


Library Club President Mrs. Theo Dallinger and Gerry Andrews pose during renovation.

Library Club President Mrs. Theo Dallinger and Gerry Andrews pose during renovation.

1975

Renovation and Addition paid for by Charlotte Hobbs’s legacy.


Roger Blood selling nature mobiles at Arts & Artisans Fair, 1979.

Roger Blood selling nature mobiles at Arts & Artisans Fair, 1979.

1976

First Arts & Artisan Fair, will become biggest annual fundraiser since the drama series.


Volunteer Elizabeth Farr reading with Christine Klinepeter and Becky Moody

Volunteer Elizabeth Farr reading with Christine Klinepeter and Becky Moody

1986

All 250 local schoolchildren visit library once a week.


2001.jpg

2001

100th Anniversary of incorporation.


Stephen King signing book of young fan

Stephen King signing book of young fan

2002

Writer Stephen King attracts many fans at reading. Proceeds become seed money for the Building Fund.


Campaign Brochure, designed by Roger Williams.

Campaign Brochure, designed by Roger Williams.

2004

Official public launch of ‘Building for our Next Century’ Campaign

 


Local children cut the ribbon August 15, 2010

Local children cut the ribbon August 15, 2010

Our village is proud of its library. Opened in 1908 it remains the center piece of community life.

Our village is proud of its library. Opened in 1908 it remains the center piece of community life.

2010  After an eight year campaign the library opened the doors to its expanded and renovated building.