Libraries in Yarmouth were established in the 1800s; all began as small reading associations, and later incorporated as libraries: Yarmouth Port in 1866, South Yarmouth in 1869, and West Yarmouth in 1871. Each were privately funded, privately managed and independent. After a study in the mid-1990s, a Library Commission report recommended and Town Meeting approved the formation of a Library Board and later, the Town centralized the libraries’ many library functions, while maintaining three sites.
From 1999-2008, the Yarmouth Port Library was a municipal library, part of a municipal 3-library system in Yarmouth. After financial difficulties of the Great Recession in 2008-09, Yarmouth Port Library reverted to Association ownership.
In 2016, Yarmouth Selectmen established an independent library study committee to analyze the issues and present a recommendation on library services and facilities in the South Yarmouth and West Yarmouth locations. The Town Library Board supports the study committee, now a planning committee, and the library director participates in an ex-officio capacity. Yarmouth’s libraries are always evolving, to keep up with the variety of services our community wants and needs.
Yarmouth Town Libraries will provide expert assistance in serving the needs of the community with up-to-date information resources broad enough to meet the needs of its residents. The public will have access to, and increased awareness of, current topics and titles in multiple format ... view more »
Libraries in Yarmouth were established in the 1800s; all began as small reading associations, and later incorporated as libraries: Yarmouth Port in 1866, South Yarmouth in 1869, and West Yarmouth in 1871. Each were privately funded, privately managed and independent. After a study in the mid-1990s, a Library Commission report recommended and Town Meeting approved the formation of a Library Board and later, the Town centralized the libraries’ many library functions, while maintaining three sites.
From 1999-2008, the Yarmouth Port Library was a municipal library, part of a municipal 3-library system in Yarmouth. After financial difficulties of the Great Recession in 2008-09, Yarmouth Port Library reverted to Association ownership.
In 2016, Yarmouth Selectmen established an independent library study committee to analyze the issues and present a recommendation on library services and facilities in the South Yarmouth and West Yarmouth locations. The Town Library Board supports the study committee, now a planning committee, and the library director participates in an ex-officio capacity. Yarmouth’s libraries are always evolving, to keep up with the variety of services our community wants and needs.
Yarmouth Town Libraries will provide expert assistance in serving the needs of the community with up-to-date information resources broad enough to meet the needs of its residents. The public will have access to, and increased awareness of, current topics and titles in multiple formats.
Yarmouth Town Libraries will encourage a community of readers and learners of all ages by inspiring children to become lifelong learners and by facilitating continuous learning for adults.
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