History of our Library

The Jewett Eastman House is an important part of the history of South Berwick. It is the childhood home of Sarah Orne Jewett, a 19th century author. South Berwick and it's buildings are mentioned in many of her works.

In 1970, after using a community resource for years, South Berwick found it did not have a library that was open to the general public. A group of concerned citizens organized the current library to fill this void. Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities owned the Jewett Eastman House in 1971 when the South Berwick Library opened in one rented room of this building. It operated solely with donated books and volunteer librarians. The town accepted these services as the town library in 1972 and began financial support. A librarian was hired in 1973 and the hours that the patrons could use the library have increased steadily to 36 hours a week.

When S.P.N.A. sold the house, a group of civic minded residents rallied. The Jewett Eastman Memorial Committee purchased the house in 1984 entirely through voluntary donations. The Jewett Eastman House has always been the home of the South Berwick Public Library and an integral part of the community. Situated in the heart of the historic district of South Berwick, the house is listed on the National Historic Registry.