Newton Free Library

The Newton Free Library, founded as a free public library in 1870, has origins dating back to the 18th century. Our unique collection of local materials is housed in the library's Special Collections Room. These materials reflect the civic life of Newton primarily from the 19th through the early 20th century, a time when Newton was transforming from agriculture to industry and becoming a suburban Boston residential community. Presented here is a wide range of historic items, from photographs to maps, voter lists, yearbooks, municipal directories and more that have been deemed important to the Library's mission of "promoting the educational, cultural and recreational enrichment of all members of the Newton community."