Sam Gates

In 1857, Samuel Gates donated his collection of books to the Town of Barre, thus creating the community's first public library. In 1885, the Barre Library Association was incorporated to raise funds to build a suitable structure to house the growing collection, as temporary quarters shared with the Post Office were inadequate.

Henry Woods

Barre native Henry Woods, the wealthy European representative of the Boston firm of C.F. Hovey, came forward in 1886 to donate both the land and building for a town library. Designed by Mr. Woods' son, Henry D. Woods, work began on the Woods Memorial Library in June 1886, named to honor departed members of the donor's family. Construction was completed and the new building opened for business at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 1887.

Renovated extensively in 1958, 1967-1968 and 1985-1987, these projects were superceded in size and scope by the expansion/renovation endeavor of 2000-2001. The size of the facility doubled, a suitable children's room was created, facilities were updated and accessibility for persons with disabilities was achieved.