History of the Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library
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
1901
Women’s Library Club of Lovell officially incorporates.
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
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
1906
Fire destroys The American House; Library Club buys lot for $450.
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
Original Interior
1908
Lovell Public Library opens its doors.
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.
1951
Fiftieth Anniversary
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.
1975
Renovation and Addition paid for by Charlotte Hobbs’s legacy.
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
1986
All 250 local schoolchildren visit library once a week.
2001
100th Anniversary of incorporation.
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.
2004
Official public launch of ‘Building for our Next Century’ Campaign
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.
2010 After an eight year campaign the library opened the doors to its expanded and renovated building.