Mission Statement

The Warren Free Public Library will maintain and develop a collection of materials and information that will enhance the potential of the townspeople to grow socially, emotionally, spiritually, physically, artistically, and academically in order that the needs in their lives will be met and enriched; and to provide a friendly environment conducive to finding and borrowing the materials available.

History

Warren had a library that flourished for a period of time from 1787-1864. Cyrus Eaton tells about the formation of the library in his Annals of Warren. Each of the patrons contributed a sum of money to procure books.

In 1792 a division occurred; the eastern sixteen members created the
“Friendly Society on St. George.” By 1799 the membership had grown to eighty-six patrons with an annual contribution of $43.

However, on January 13, 1799, another division occurred. They named themselves “The Proprietors of the Social Library in the Town of Warren.” This appears to be the first time that Warren alone was supporting a library. The library appeared to flourish at times, and in 1825 it contained 500 volumes owned by 91 proprietors. Then the number of patrons decreased and on October 4, 1864 the volumes were divided into lots and were drawn for. At this time many valuable books were lost.

On July 23, 1900, a group of interested citizens met in the Congregational Church for the purpose of organizing a library. At this time our name was established as The Warren Free Public Library. At this time the library rented the front room from the Knights of Pythias.

After the death of Moses and Eva Frances Mathews, money was left to build a building. We are now Warren Free Public Library in the M.R. Mathews Memorial Building. A Boston architect, Charles Loring, was chosen while William Hatch of Camden was selected as contractor, In August 1927, the building was begun and in August 1928, the dedication of the building was held.

In the early 1970’s the people of the town generously provided funds from Federal Revenue Sharing to complete the second floor.

In the March 1990, Warren Town Meeting , the town officially voted to accept the gift of the Warren Free Public Library. We then became a municipal building.