Public Library (Morse Institute), Natick, Massachusetts

[LIB11129] The library you see today began in 1808 as a modest collection of about 100 books in the home of Samuel Morse, just up the street from today’s building. Thirty-nine years later, that early circulating library evolved into the Citizen’s Library, and accumulated 425 books by 1852. Natick resident Henry Wilson, the country’s vice president during Ulysses S. Grant’s second term, was one of the original shareholders of the Citizen’s Library. The town stepped in with funds for books and a librarian as well as a room to house the collection in 1857. [Website]

1976 Library, Natick, MA

[LIB0058]

In perpetual memory of Mary Ann Morse, born June 16, 1825 - June 30, 1862. She gave her whole estate to establish this library for the use and benefit of all the inhabitants of her native town. [From the back of the card]