I spy with my little eye an elegant Cape Cod building, now a hundred years old. Though not imposing, it harbors the treasures of the world. It is a spot where the community can go to feed their minds, their bodies, and their souls. What is it?

The Harwich Port Library, a Pilgrims’ Progress:

It starts in rented Red Cross rooms, the rent paid by Mr. E.G. Eldredge. It moves to J.B.Bakers, then to the Florence Building, then next door to the Modern Theater, and finally it roots itself on Bank Street.  

The Harwich Port Library was dedicated on July 4, 1925 with much fanfare including a neighborhood clambake, a concert and dancing, and the presence of popular Cape Cod author Joseph Lincoln. The local newspaper marked the occasion with this sentiment:

“The Harwich Port Library is established not only in our town but in our hearts and is

for the use of the people; but at the same time it should be regarded by the people as a

sacred trust to maintain and support.”

The library celebrates its centennial year with hopes of attaining national historic landmark designation. According to trustee Tricia Cook the Massachusetts Historical Commission has recognized the library’s embodiment of Colonial Revival architecture and its association in the free public library movement of the early 20th century.

The library’s origins date to 1920 with a gift of about 500 books from summer resident Anne T. Van Buren. In 1922 Mr. W. Sears Nickerson held a meeting to organize the library.  Notable gifts to the Library’s Building Fund included $1000 from Mr. Gideon Freeman, and $1000 from the French Marquis De Ser, a friend of Mrs. Van Buren. In today's money those $2000 would be equivalent to approximately $34,000.

The collection quickly grew to several thousand volumes. In 1923, the non-profit Harwich Port Library Association was founded to establish a permanent home for the growing collection and as a gathering place for the community. The construction of the library was a community effort, with funding and the lot itself on lower Bank Street donated by summer resident Mrs. Paul Gray of Detroit.

We know about the building, but just like a church or a school, it is the people who work there who make the building come alive. Librarian Valerie Arroyo has very deep roots in the world of books and in the enrichment that the culture and joy of reading brings to our lives. For twenty years she worked at the Brewster Book Store, for eleven, she was the store manager. The Brewster Bookstore was the kind of place where she knew everyone’s name.  It was small and hands on. Becoming a librarian was the next step. It was not a radical career shift, but an opportunity to grow and explore the connection between the world of books and literacy. As Val explains, “Public libraries are just about the most beautiful institution ever invented. It doesn’t matter who you are, you belong in the library. Everyone is welcome. Libraries try to meet people where they are. Information needs are way more complex today than in 1925 when the Harwich Port Library opened. Libraries and Librarians are matchmakers, problem-solvers, mediators, fact-finders, literacy experts, book whisperers, and listeners. Books are still at the heart of what libraries do, but just as often, libraries are used for tech help or printing out housing applications. As a space for tutoring or quiet study. Or a place for meeting people, creating memories or experiences, socializing with friends. Libraries try to do all of that.  
The Harwich Port Library is also a small and hands-on kind of place. The kind of place where connections are easily made. It is a place where the magic of reading and books is evident. People read for lots of different reasons. We read to feel like we are not alone. We read because we want to learn something new, or understand a historical moment, or ourselves. We read for pleasure, to get lost in a good story, or to enjoy the beauty of good writing. And this magic works not just on the reader, but also in creating space for community and connection. Because it gives us an opening to have conversations. And these conversations make our communities stronger. 

"In my role as Director, I try to meet the moment. This means I’ve made it a point to try and increase our visibility and broaden our reach through social media and publicity. We have started to do more community programming, including author events, story times, and a summer reading program. Last year, we had our first Books on Bank St Author Series, and we are doing it again this year. If someone needs computer or printing help, we are here for that. If someone wants to get lost in a good story, we have a book for that. In many ways, we are still doing the same thing we did 100 years ago at the Harwich Port Library–we are trying to meet the needs of our community. It is just that the needs of modern users are more complex.

Moving forward, I see the Harwich Port Library as an institution connecting the past with the present. There is comfort, I think, in the longevity and seeming permanence of a small and humble community library. It says something about who we are. And it reminds us of where we have been. It is beloved because it holds so many memories and experiences that connect us through the generations. As a community, we have shared the Harwich Port Library together for a very long time. And this history informs the present. It encourages us as we strive for new memories, experiences, and connections. And as we try to meet the moment and serve the needs of modern library users.”

One measure of the library’s success is its ability to attract patrons, volunteers and authors to support its mission. For example, as Val comments, “Seth Doane graciously volunteered his time last year to hold a fundraiser for us at the South Harwich Meeting House and has been known to stop in occasionally when he is in town.  Joan Anderson is currently a volunteer. In the past, the Harwich Port Library was known for its Literary Teas held as fundraisers. Over the years these included many amazing authors including Andre Dubus, Ann LeClaire, Kristan Higgins, Hank Philippi Ryan, Deborah Swiss, Leslie Meier, and Nancy Thayer, among others. This year we are hosting Marjan Kamali and Martha Hall Kelly.”

The Harwich Port Library is now a century old, and it is time for a big celebration. Here is what to expect. Please spread the word; all are welcome. 

Monday, June 2nd: Our Centennial Summer kick-off celebration with Larry Tye, author of The Jazzmen, and the Wayne Naus Trio. This will be held at Pilgrim Congregational Church starting at 5:00 PM, with live music and an author talk. This is a free event and all are welcome.

Friday, June 20th: Summer Reading Program Begins

Monday, June 23rd: Books on Bank St Author Series with Jim Coogan featuring stories, myths, and legends about Cape History. These are collected in the thirteen books he has written. 5:30 PM

Monday, June 30th: Summer Storytime begins and will be held every Monday at 10:30am, through Monday, August 25th.

Monday, July 7th: Books on Bank St Author Series with Gerree Hogan discussing her book Cape Cod Libraries, 5:30 PM

Tuesday, July 22nd: Literary Luncheon with Marjan Kamali and Martha Hall Kelly. This is a three-course seated luncheon and fundraiser for the library, from 11:30-2:30pm at the Old Yarmouth Inn. Tickets are $75 and can be reserved at the library on Mon. or Fri, cash or check.

Val’s call for people to get involved: “Come and celebrate with us! Whether you are a long-time Harwich Port Library-goer, or you have never visited us, attend one of our programs, or stop in and see what we have to offer.

Patrons stopping in the library this summer can fill out a “Library Love Letter” to let us know what the Harwich Port Library has meant to you or express your appreciation.

Donations are always encouraged and welcomed, including gently used books, games, or jigsaw puzzles. 

We are always looking for new volunteers!

It is no accident that the library was opened on July 4. Libraries are one of the cornerstones of our democratic values, culture, and institutions. Everyone has the right to enrich their lives and inform their judgements by the knowledge contained within a library’s walls. Libraries represent for all a portal to the wisdom of the ages that allows us without discrimination to fully reach our potential as the best human beings we can possibly be.