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About the Nichols Library. The NML is a Free Library, offering its services without a fee or residency requirement. The Library is part of the CH Village Historic District, which is listed with the National Register of Historic Places. Access our catalog, read about our borrowing policies and services, find out about upcoming events, and browse new books. We offer computer and wireless internet access. Our annual report can be read here.

Mr. Nichols and the Library in Center Harbor. The Nichols Memorial Library is named for James E. Nichols (1845-1914) who gave the Library to the town as a family memorial. Born in Meredith NH, Nichols made his fortune in Boston and New York. His firm, Austin-Nichols (NYC), was a grocery supplier to small retail markets across the Northeast and Midwest. In 1909, Nichols offered to build and endow a library for Center Harbor, where his parents had settled. Nichols stipulated that the library be "free and open to all," which it is to this day.

The first library in Center Harbor was the CH Library Association, a subscription library formed by the Sons of Temperance in 1889.

Design. Charles Brigham, a noted Boston architect, was secured to design the building. Brigham had previously designed the Laconia Public Library and the New Bedford Institution for Savings. For the Nichols Library, Brigham chose a combination of Classical and Renaissance motifs. The basic design is rectangular, with a semicircular rear projection that houses the stacks. The granite foundation is topped by molded limestone, brick walls, and a slate roof. The entry facing Plymouth Street features twin columns and a classical pediment. The interior features a long rectangular reading room and a semicircular stack area, which rises to form a high barrel vault. The library desk separates the stack from the reading room. The reading room features panelled wainscotting and plaster walls. The reading has two fireplaces with tile facings.

Construction. The Library was built by T. J. Guay Contruction of Laconia. The site for the structure was that of the old Senter House. The corner stone was laid in 1909, and contained a box of old library records, the most recent Town Report, and papers of the Woman's Club. The building was dedicated June 18, 1910.

About the Furnishings. The Seth Thomas pendulum clock (1876) is original. The safe in the reference room contains deposit boxes which were rented out for public use. The two original fireplaces contain interesting tile work. The tiles above the childrens’ side, dated 1905, were designed by Addison Bootlegger. The animal heads in the main room were hunted by Mr. Nichols. Bookshelves have been added under the windows in the reading room. An upholstered settee and a long table were removed to accommodate space for a children’s reading and story time area.

The Collection. A printed catalog in 1911 listed a collection of 2400 items. A small selection from the orginal collection is still held by the Library. Today the collection contains more than 13,000 items, which includes printed materials, recorded books and other media items. The library automated its collection in 2001. Three public computer workstations provide access to office work software and the Internet.

The Nichols Library is one of 13 structures which comprise the Village Historic District, of Center Harbor, hich is listed with the National Register of Historic Places. Link here for a complete list of our historic structures.

12/20/08