The James E. Nichols Memorial Library ................................................................................................
35 Plymouth Street..;;;;;;...
Center Harbor, New Hampshire, 03226-1339    .........     
Phone:  603-253-6950   Fax: 603-253-7219. Email: nicholsl@metrocast.net
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 		James E. Nichols and the Library in Center Harbor 

The Need for a Library.  Going into the 20th century,  there was no lending library for townsfolk.  A Center Harbor Library Association had been formed by the Sons of Temperance in 1889, but this was a private collection for dues paying members. The Town, meanwhile, had  established a library fund, as required by state law, but had taken no steps to establish a library,  A Momemtus Offer.  In 1909, Center Harbor received an offer form James. E. Nichols  to build and endow a library for the Town.   Nichols was a successful entreprenuer whose family lived in Center Harbor.  His offer was accepted by the Town and work began in July 1909.  Nichols stipulated that the library be "free and open to all," which it is to this day.

 James E. Nichols (1845-1914) was "a local boy made good." Born in Meredith, he made his fortune in the grocery supply trade.  His firm, Austin-Nichols (NYC), found a niche as a supplier to small retail grocers across NE and the Midwest. Nichols and Austin were early entrants in the processed foods market. In the 1930's, Austin-Nichols became retailers of alcoholic beverdiges. The firm also gained notice as an outfitter to Perry's polar expeditions.  

brig  Design. Charles Brigham, a noted Boston architect, was secured to design the building. Brigham had 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 limtestone, brick walls, and a slate roof. The entry facing Plymouth Street features twin columns and a classical pediment. The intererior features a long rectangular reading room and a semicircular stack area, which rises to form a high barrel vault. The libray desk separates the stack from the reading room.  The reading room features panelled wainscotting and plaster walls. Each end of the reading room has a 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 accomodate space for a children’s reading and story time area. 

The Collection. A printed catalog in 1911 listed a collection of 2400 items, a number which are 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. Two 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.