A Brief History of the Chocorua Public Library
The Chocorua Public Library is a living example of what happens when a small community dreams big. Its beginnings date back to the late 1800s, when it started as a subscription-based lending library. Local families each paid a modest annual fee to borrow from a shared collection of books, laying the foundation for a resource that would endure for more than a century.
The library’s earliest supporters included many of Chocorua’s most well-known families—the Goulds, Whitneys, Taskers, Remicks, Bowditches, and Jameses. Their combined efforts and vision brought books, education, and connection to the heart of a rural village. Over time, trustees were established to guide the institution, and community members pitched in to grow the collection and keep the doors open.
A unique and often surprising note in the library’s history is its connection to Hadley Hemingway, the first wife of famed author Ernest Hemingway. Hadley, who spent time in the Chocorua area, had ties to the library that reflect how far-reaching its influence has been, even in its early years. Her story adds a touch of literary legacy to this small-town institution, linking Chocorua to one of America’s most celebrated authors.
Unlike many libraries, the Chocorua Public Library has never been town-funded. It is and always has been a privately funded nonprofit, sustained entirely through donations, fundraising events, and the tireless commitment of trustees, staff, and volunteers. From yard sales and bake sales to community raffles and benefit events, these grassroots efforts have kept the library thriving through every generation.
Today, the library remains a hub of activity. Its shelves offer both classics and new releases, while its programs bring neighbors of all ages together for story hours, craft projects, and cultural events. Each patron who borrows a book or supports a fundraiser becomes part of a tradition begun by the Goulds, Whitneys, Taskers, Remicks, Bowditches, Jameses—and even touched by the Hemingways—ensuring that this beloved library continues to flourish at the heart of Chocorua.
