24. Dedication Ceremonies for the Concord Free Public Library, 1873

On Wednesday, October 1, 1873, Concord dedicated its new public library, the gift of William Munroe, a son of pencil maker William Monroe/Munroe. The formal ceremonies (heralded by this broadside) were held in the Town Hall, following a procession of citizens from the library, which was open to visitors all day. The women of the town had decorated both Town Hall and library with flowers and autumn leaves. The exercises included music by the Concord Band, remarks and reports by Library Corporation and Library Committee representatives, the presentation by William Munroe of the keys to the building, and the keynote address by Ralph Waldo Emerson.