Edwards Public Library

SOUTHAMPTON, MA.

The first library in town was a collection of books kept at the home of Dr. Sylvester Woodbridge. The sixteen volumes could be borrowed by subscribers on any of the four days per year when the library was open! This library existed from 1780 to 1812, when it was closed and the books were ordered sold. In 1880, Rev. Edson Clark established another library which was incorporated as a Public Library. The first librarian, Edwards Birge, tended the books at the old Town Hall. In time, the books were moved to a northerly room at the Sheldon Academy, now the present Town Hall