Local History Room Open

The Montague Public Libraries are pleased to announce that, after 10 years of being used as an office for library staff, the Carnegie Library’s Local History Room is now open for public use!

The room is available for quiet study and local history research. This spring, once the libraries’ new website is complete, the room will also be available for booking by small groups.

The local history collection includes town reports, street lists, photographs, books, and Montague ephemera from all different time periods. Most of the collection has been organized by subject and itemized. Those interested in reviewing the collection can access our item records and collection use guidelines here: https://montaguepubliclibraries.org/gallery/1009/0/Local-History

While the Local History Room is open during regular library hours, those who wish to access materials for research are encouraged to make an appointment to ensure that library staff can assist you. Appointments can be made by calling the library at 413-863-3214 or online here: https://forms.gle/FDuGZ4DsES15ySWD6

Many of the libraries’ local history materials are very fragile. We’ve created guidelines for their access with the hope of preventing further deterioration.

Finally, we’ve purchased a cabinet to showcase rotating displays of items from the Artifacts Loft. Please stop by to check out our first display: Items created or sold in Montague. Included are knives from the John Russell Cutlery Company, antique eyeglasses, a key to the first district schoolhouse, and a cup and saucer, depicting the Oakman Street high school, which was sold by the Cassidy Brothers grocery store in 1905.

Local History Page on the Montague Public Libraries Website: /gallery/1009/0/Local-History

Posted: to General News on Tue, Feb 25, 2025
Updated: Tue, Feb 25, 2025