The George Hail Library began as a tiny “reading room” above Pashal Allen’s store in Warren, Rhode Island in 1871. With 3,200 volumes by 1876, the room outgrew its space and relocated to the Cyrus Peabody building. In 1877, the Warren Public Library was incorporated. Through a substantial donation by George Hail’s widow, Martha in 1882, the library became the George Hail Library. Additional contributions were made, and a new granite building was constructed in 1888.
Over the years modifications were made to the facility. Plain glass windows replaced leaded glass windows. Woodwork was painted, and a dropped ceiling installed. In the late 1970s, further renovations were done that included a children’s room, new heating and air conditioning, and the restoration of lighting, painted walls, and woodwork to their original colors and conditions.
Warren is located at the north end of a peninsula that juts into Mt. Hope Bay. By the mid-18th century the town was a well-known whaling port, and shipbuilding became an important industry. By the middle of the 19th century after the decline of seafaring industries, Warren had turned to textiles. As result, it was a blue collar town. However, recently there has been a shift in demographics as retirees have taken up residence.
According to Library Director Patricia Redfearn technology has impacted libraries in numerous ways, making “all libraries available and open 24/7. It speeds up information for the public and makes even the smallest library able to provide access to bigger libraries.” She goes on to say, “Too many {people} think libraries are no longer necessary because of the internet, but as more sites charge to access materials, it is libraries they will expect to give them the information they need.”
The George Hail Library often hosts authors who come to discuss their books. The most often asked questions are how the book came to be and where the writer got his or her ideas. An upcoming program features two children’s book authors who will be reading their publications, both of which are about planets and stars.
For the adults, cozy mysteries and mystery series have become popular, and according to Director Redfearn, “Years ago a 300-400 page book was not a problem. Today, shorter is better. In addition, patrons are not browsing like in the past, and may only check out one to two books per visit.”
However, rest assured that no matter what their customers are looking for, George Hail Library is ready, willing, and able. Visit their website for more information.