THE HISTORY OF GARDNER ROBERTS MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Constructed
originally by J. Gardner Roberts, Jr. for a post office, the building
first became used as a library in 1895 when Mr. Roberts made space
available in his post office. It was originally named Pierce Library
as a requirement by Alfred Pierce who donated books. Following the
passing of Mr. Roberts in 1924, the library's name was officially
changed to Gardner Roberts Memorial Library.
For generations Hanover
citizens, especially children, looked forward to library hours. Yearly
bake sales financed the operation and the all female organization
provided librarians who usually were unpaid volunteers. To raise funds
the Library Association sponsored community events. With changing times
interest waned until eventually the library was open by appointment
only.
Some suggested the building should be demolished.
Rather than give up the
historic library building a group formed to raise funds to move it from
the Howard Pond Road to a more convenient location on Ferry Road
adjacent to the Hanover Town Office. Fundraising began with several
garage sales. In the picture to the right are Barb and Irv Robinson as
they prepared for their cross country coast to coast bicycle trip for
money pledges
to the library, a highly successful endeavor. Another fundraiser was a
bottle drive spearheaded by then 13 year old Sara Moir.
Although personal donations came from many people and businesses in
Hanover, the area and around the world, the goal continually seemed to
out of reach. However, in 2006 the project of relocating the building
was assured when the Raymond Taylor family in memory of Jane K.Taylor
contributed the remaining funds needed for moving and refurbishing
the building.