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The first public library in Lynn was called the "Social Library." It was organized in 1815, but did not receive its charter from the Legislature until 1818. There was, as stated by Mr. Newhall in his History of Lynn, a "good social library here" several years before this time, but it was not, probably, so "public" in its character. It is, of course, understood that our circulating libraries, of which there have been many in Lynn during the present century, are in some sense public libraries, the distinction being that the circulating library is usually under individual control, and its operations confined within narrow limits, while the public library is an incorporated institution, having a wider sphere of action. It is in this last sense that the writer uses the term, public library. The statute of Massachusetts permitting seven, or more, persons to form such an organization was passed in 1806. As this library association had failed to comply with all the requirements of this statute, during the three years from 1815 to 1818, a formal meeting of the seventy-two shareholders was called, agreeably to a warrant signed by Richard Hazeltine, Alonzo Lewis, Samuel Hallowell, Josiah Newhall, Nehemiah Johnson, Timothy Johnson, Jr., and Richard Pratt, Jr. The meeting was held October, 1818. The directors for the first year (1819) were Richard Hazeltine, Ezra Mudge and Henry Newhall, and Alonzo Lewis was chosen librarian. Mr. Lewis held this post during the next seven years. He was followed by Asa U. Swinerton, who held the position for three years. Amos Rhodes followed Mr. Swinerton, holding the office some fifteen years. Mr. Rhodes was one of the most devoted friends of this institution, and was always ready to lend it a helping hand. The library at this time (1819) numbered 205 volumes; in 1829; 717 volumes; in 1835, 1012 volumes; in 1843, 1357 volumes. In 1850 the property of the Social Library, including books and furniture, was transferred to the Natural History Society - already mentioned - and this association carried on the library until 1855, when the entire property, including the books of the old Social Library, and the books and curiosities of the Natural History Society, was transferred to the Library Association on condition that said association "should not convey the property to any person or persons for private uses." The number of volumes received by the Library Association was about 2000. The Library Association was incorporated March 24th 1855. Quite a large number of books was added to the library while it was in the hands of this association, and the patronage of the institution was much increased. On the 14th of April, 1862, the entire property of the association, including the books and collection of curiosities, was transferred to the city. The transfer was made on condition that the books should never be disposed of for any private use, but should serve as a nucleus for a Free Public Library. The number of books at the time of the transfer was 3824. Soon after - December 28th - the Christian Association presented its library - a small but choice selection of 276 volumes. The formation of the present Free Public Library seems to have grown out of the action of the Library Association in transferring its books to the city. The project was definitely brought before the public in the inaugural of Peter M. Neal, mayor of the city in 1862. In his message of that year he says: "Our city ought to have been among the first to give to its large and increasing reading community the benefits of such a library." An ordinance of the city, passed August 20th, 1862, provided that nine trustees "shall have the sole charge, care, superintendence, and management of the books, and other property, conveyed to the city of Lynn, by the Lynn Library Association, for the purpose of establishing in said city a Free Public Library, and of any additions thereto." The library went into operation at once. The library committee purchased 1048 volumes, making the whole number for public use 6042. The following gentlemen constituted the first board of trustees - President, Charles B. Holmes; Secretary, William A. Brown; Treasurer; Ezra W. Mudge; John C. Houghton, David N. Johnson, Stephen N. Richardson, Charles C. Shackford, Amos P. Tapley; members ex officio, Peter M. Neal and Jesse L. Attwill. During the eighteen years since the establishment of the library 22,000 volumes have been added, including the small number given by individuals, being an average of little less than 1300 volumes annually. This site may be freely linked to but not duplicated
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