The library began in 1873 in the dining room of Mrs. Thankful Ames. Donations of books and periodicals from families in the village helped to fill the lending library's shelves. In 1881, under the leadership of Mr. Lloyd Garrison Jr., the Osterville Free Library Corporation was formed. The corporation purchased land and built what would be the Cape's third library. This original building was dedicated on January 2,1882 and stands as part of the old Osterville House & Garden Shop. The OFL moved to its present location, a former 5 & 10 store, at 43 Wianno Avenue in 1958. Ten years later a new wing was added, currently the North Room, and in 1988-89, office was added along with major renovations, including installation of air-conditioning.
Today, the
Osterville Free Library is a vibrant community resource. It is an active participant in Osterville events and celebrations, including Village days in the summer, fall, winter and spring, and holds its own weeklong series of events in June. The Library currently hosts over 400 meetings during the year. Friday morning movies, held in our north room, are a favorite for many of our residents, and our Summer Concert series has become a family tradition for over 4000 children and adults in 2005. A full schedule of educational and entertaining adult programming is offered throughout the year, in addition to story hours for children and "Music and Movement" sessions for children under 5 years old. The Library offers wireless internet access for patrons and has several desktop computers that are used almost constantly. The Osterville Village Library has the only Reference Librarian in the Town of Barnstable. We are also the only library in Barnstable to remain open seven days per week. The annual circulation of books and videos is more than double the state's average circulation for a community of our size.
The Osterville Village Library is a private nonprofit corporation, incorporated under sec.501(c)(3) which raises just over 60% of its operating budget from private donations and fundraising. Town and State funds comprise the remaining monies to operate the library on an annual basis.
To see pictures of some reasons why we need a need a new library click here
Read about Charles T. Bellingraph contribution to Library Design.