Below are linked an assortment of current and historical items relating to the history of the library.

1804 to 1981

History of libraries in Hampton from 1804 to 1981, from the Atlantic News , March 31, 1981

1881 to present

History of the library published in Peter Randall's Hampton: A Century of Town and Beach, and updated for the Internet.

19th Century

History of 19th century libraries in Hampton, from Dow's History of Hampton, including the section on the subscription library that predated the public library .

The Beginnings of the Hampton Public Library in 1881

Read about how the private Hampton Library Association became the Hampton Public Library in 1881.

Annual Reports

Read past annual reports of the library as published in the Hampton Town Report.

Library Volunteer Appreciation Receptions

Stories from local newspapers about the various parties we have held to recognize our many library volunteers.

1985

The brochure from the dedication of the 1985 addition to the library.

1984

A Seacoast Scene article on the ongoing construction of the library's addition

1983

Story and photos relating to the library's move into temporary quarters in 1983 during the construction of the 1985 addition.

1979

A Flavour of Hampton: Digital copy of the cookbook put out by the Friends of the Lane Memorial Library (pdf)

1958

A column by James Tucker in his " Our Town " column describing the addition made to the library in 1957

1957-58

A collection of newspaper articles following the construction and opening of the 1957 library addition.

1957-58 photos

A collection of newspaper photos from the 1957 library addition and dedication

James Tucker advocates for a new library

A Hampton Union columnist's appeal for larger and better town library facilities, written in February 1957.

1938

A short sketch on the library, written for the town's 300th anniversary in 1938

1910

The brochure from the dedication of the 1910 library building.

1893

A proposal for opening and maintaining a free, public reading room