Hampshire County Public Library

The Hampshire County Public Library is a public institution dedicated to providing equal, uncensored access to information in a wide variety of formats to serve the educational, recreational, cultural and informational needs of all Citizens of Hampshire County. In doing this our library was rated 14th in the state by the most recent Hennen's American Public Library Rating (HAPL) Index.

Free public library service for Romney, assumed as a project by the American Legion Auxiliary, was begun on April 11, 1935 in the basement of the courthouse. When space became too small for the books permission was granted by the Masonic Order for the use of the first floor of the old Literary Hall and the books were Moved there in March 1937. Volunteers kept the library open for many years until January 1942 when a mass meeting was called for the purpose of involving the public in supporting a more extensive library service. Incorporated as a non-profit organization a charter was issued for the Hampshire County Library Association on January 29, 1942.

But it was not until 1967 that a library building became a reality was a dedication ceremony was held for the present building located on 153 West Main Street. This beautiful and spacious building was made possible through the generous donations of Mary and Kate Davis and Mr. and Mrs. J. Holland Rannells and the untiring efforts of Ralph Haines, and Loudoun Thompson.