New Hampshire’s first library is older than the country. Here’s where it is

As one of the 13 original colonies, New Hampshire started many businesses and resources before the United States formed, including everything from colleges to inns to libraries.

In fact, New Hampshire’s first library dates back to 71 years before the state was founded and 59 years before the country was founded. Part of the New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the New Hampshire State Library was first established in 1717, making it the oldest state library in the country. Stocked with hundreds of thousands of historical items, the state library serves as a resource center for both the government and public.

Want to learn more about New Hampshire’s history at its first library? Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

History of New Hampshire State Library

In January of 1717, Portsmouth held New Hampshire’s 27th General Assembly meeting, which passed various orders for the progression of the colony. One of these orders called for two books to be kept by the state for government use, therefore starting the New Hampshire State Library.

The state library moved from Portsmouth to Concord in 1808, and its current building was constructed next to the statehouse in 1895.

Over the 300+ years of its existence, the New Hampshire State Library has grown from its two original books to over 600k items, including historical pieces like an extensive newspaper collection, old phone books, the first ever map of the state from 1784, state political records and an archive of town reports that can be used to trace one’s lineage.

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How to visit New Hampshire State Library

The New Hampshire State Library is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at 20 Park St. in Concord.