A Few Words from Our Library Director
In 1894, the good town folk of Auburn had set aside $25 to be put toward the first year of operation of Griffin Free Public Library. That’s about a thousand bucks by today’s standards! That included maintenance, heating, cleaning, the librarian’s salary and purchase of new books.
One year earlier, on April 28, the town voted to accept the gift of the library from our founder, Sebastian Griffin. On April 28, 2026 we celebrated our 133rd birthday – a day we filled with streamers, birthday hats and lots and lots of cupcakes!
As the smallest library (per capita) in New Hampshire, our footprint from our founding has barely changed. Heck, we just got plumbing and a bathroom in 2004!
But we are also one of the oldest continuously in-use libraries in the state. Our front room, which still retains Sebastian’s original tin ceiling, is testament to the story both of the library and the town.
That room was attached to Sebastian’s home at one point, a Victorian era ‘man cave’ where he kept his book collection, but also his town and Native American artifacts. When he donated his collection to the town, they didn’t have anyplace to put it, so Sebastian donated the room as well. That room grew into four rooms (plus the bathroom!) and that’s where we sit today.
Still, it’s really only been the last couple decades where the town and the library have really grown.
In 1980, the library spent a grand total of $56 (about $250 today) on new books. Now, between increased collection circulation and an exploding on-line subscription base, our tiny library spends about 15-20k per year on our collection, and those numbers and usage continue to grow.
During our birthday celebration, State kid executive councilor Ben Webb stopped by to give out toys at story time and the cupcakes and lollipops disappeared faster than the latest James Patterson novel! One of our favorite patrons made us a card and even wrote a poem for us!
The library is the soul of our town, of any town. The fact that we’re an old soul makes it even better. If the walls could talk, my goodness but they’d have a thing or two to say!
As for Sebastian, well, he’s still with us, of course. His ancestors still live across the street – in fact his great (x5) niece still stops by to give painting and wreath making classes. And we’re pretty sure, based on the creaks and knocks, that Sebastian still lives in the attic. Although with a century old building one can never be certain.
So we’ll continue into our second century, finding ways to grow, keeping the faith and trying to be the place that’s something for everyone. I hope you’ll visit. If you’re lucky, we might even have cupcakes!
— Dan Szczesny