Weymouth's Fogg Library Turns 125 Years Old

Weymouth Public Libraries are planning a series of events in September 2023 to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the historic, award-winning Fogg Library building in Columbian Square, opened in 1898.

Fogg Library is named for John S. Fogg, a shoe manufacturer and banker who left money for the erection of a building to be used as a library. From 1898 to 1975, Fogg Library was maintained as a small private library that served mainly the residents of South Weymouth. In November 1975, Fogg Library became part of the Weymouth Public Libraries. After closing in 2005 due to problems with the building, the library was fully renovated, reopening to the public in 2014 with a beautifully restored interior, an elevator, and two new meeting rooms. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

In honor of Fogg Library's 125th anniversary, Weymouth Public Libraries will host a series of events, including a Saturday afternoon reception in the library building, during the week of September 11 and beyond:

Fogg Library Architecture: Monday, September 11, 7-8 p.m. at Tufts Library, 46 Broad Street, Weymouth: History enthusiast and retired architect Dave Finney will speak about Fogg Library's design and its context within late 19th-century architecture, after which Gail Trachtenberg, an architect and principal owner of MT, the firm that renovated Fogg Library, will speak about the restoration project. Jim Clarke of the Weymouth Historical Commission will emcee the event.

Documentary screenings: Tuesday, September 12, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and Wednesday, September 13, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. at Tufts Library, 46 Broad Street, Weymouth: The Weymouth Educational Telecommunications Corporation, Inc. (WETC) is creating a short documentary about Fogg Library for its 125th anniversary, which will be screened at Tufts Library and added to the library's circulating DVD collection.

Fogg Library Birthday Story Time: Wednesday, September 13, 10 a.m. at Fogg Library, 1 Columbian Street, Weymouth: Miss Julie will offer a special birthday-themed story time for Fogg Library's birthday!

Fogg Library 125th Anniversary Talk and Reception: Saturday, September 16, 2-4 p.m. at Old South Union Church, 25 Columbian Street, Weymouth (talk) and Fogg Library, 1 Columbian Street, Weymouth (reception): Stained glass artist and restorer Jane Walsh, from Coastal Art Glass in Norwell, will speak about Fogg Library's historic stained glass windows and her work to repair and conserve two of the windows. After the talk, attendees can walk next door to Fogg Library to view the windows during an open house with music and light refreshments.

Imitation Stained Glass Crafting for Adults with Pop Up Art School: Saturday, September 23, 10-11:30 a.m. at Tufts Library, 46 Broad Street, Weymouth: Drawing inspiration from photographs of the beautiful stained glass windows that adorn the Fogg Library, participants will create imitation stained glass using tissue paper on an embroidery hoop. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Weymouth Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Advance registration is required for this event.

From September 5-16, Fogg Library patrons can enter to win a drawing for a commemorative Fogg 125th Anniversary tote bag full of books and other library-related prizes. Entries will only be accepted in person at Fogg Library during its hours of operation, which are 1-9 p.m. on Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 1-5 p.m. on Thursdays. One entry per person per day.

The Weymouth Garden Club will also install new plantings outside of Fogg Library's lower entrance as part of the celebrations.

"Whether providing basic library services, participating in events like the holiday stroll, or welcoming the community to its front lawn for our Summer Sounds concerts, Fogg Library has been a centerpiece of Columbian Square for over a century," said Robert MacLean, Director of Library Services. "We are proud to serve the community from this beautiful, historic building and are looking forward to celebrating its 125th anniversary this September."

For more information about the events planned in honor of Fogg Library and to register, visit the Weymouth Public Libraries event calendar at weymouth.assabetinteractive.com/calendar.

Weymouth Public Libraries celebrates and sustains the growth of community, collaboration, and culture through traditions of reading, learning, and sharing. For more information, see the Weymouth Public Libraries website at www.weymouth.ma.us/library.