Southworth Library (Dartmouth, Massachusetts)

Origin In 1878, the pastor of the Congregational church of South Dartmouth - Reverend Salter F Calhoun - formed a group with the aim of creating a public library. The initial library was only available to Padanaram residents, and only contained eight books. In 1920, the library added 132 books, and had 542 people borrow books. Theodosia Chase, the librarian, requested a toilet be added to the library. The library expended $24.06 The library was supplied with running water and modern plumbing in 1921. By 1940, the library had a total circulation of 29,115. 605 of which they added in 1940. They added a 'bookmobile' in 1940, which they used to service areas isolated from the central library. In 1950, the Library changed their stack arrangement to make more space for more books. The circulation of books had declined since 1940, to 26,455 books. In 1950, they also held a flower arrangement show, and several activities in the children's rooms. In 1958, the library no longer had enough room to fit their collection of books, and by 1967, the town agreed to spend $515,000 on building a new library. == As the Dartmouth Cultural Center ==

The Dartmouth Cultural Center - which is housed at the library - hosts various events in the local community, mostly regarding art and youth activities. Dartmouth Cultural Center maintains its mission through educational activities, presenting the works of local artists and art groups, and partnering and collaborating with others committed to the arts in their community; the DCC is a nonprofit cultural art and educational organization providing community events to the South Coast of MA. They also offered online services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The journey of the Dartmouth Cultural Center began as a community-based effort to save and preserve the Old Southworth Library, for future generations. The center was established to prevent the Southworth Library building from falling into disrepair following the end of its service as a functional library. It was designed to showcase local artists and to highlight local history. == References ==