Staff
Hedda Monaghan, Director | heddamonaghan@petershamlibrary.org
Contact for general questions about the library.
Amber Johns, Assistant Director | ajohns@cwmars.org
Contact for general questions about the library.
Fifi Scoufopolous, Library Associate
Laura Davis, Community Services Specialist | lauradavis@petershamlibrary.org
Contact for questions about library programs.
Board of Trustees
Bob Bellefeuille
Claudette Bishop
John Burk
Kent Byron
Karen Davis
Annette Ermini
Tally Lent
Cara McQuown
Fifi Scoufopoulos
Jean Sinclair
Mark VanScoy
Paul Youd
Timeline of the Petersham Memorial Library
1879
April 7: Inspired by a matching gift from Francis A. Brooks of Boston, the Town of Petersham
votes to establish a Free Public Library. The town contributes $350; an additional $150 is
raised by citizens, enabling full acceptance of the gift.
June 16: The newly formed Library Committee names the
institution the Petersham Free Library.
August 23: The library opens to the public.
1887–1889
Fundraising begins for a permanent library building to serve as both a public library
and audience hall. Land is transferred by members of the Brooks family and other
supporters to trustees, with the intention of eventually gifting it to the town.
1890
August 16: Petersham schoolchildren ceremonially lay a large pink quartz stone in
the library tower—a symbol of community investment in the new building.
1891
March 12: The Massachusetts Legislature officially incorporates the
Petersham Memorial Library. The library is dedicated to honoring the men and
women of Petersham who died in the Civil War,
and serves as a living memorial to their sacrifice.
March 25: The first public gathering in the building takes place: the funeral of
Captain John G. Mudge, held in the newly completed auditorium.
April 27: The town accepts the Act of Incorporation and elects its first trustees.
August 9: The Petersham Memorial Library opens in its permanent
home on Petersham Common.
1892
January 5: Ownership of the library property is formally transferred
to the incorporated Petersham Memorial Library.
Legacy and Purpose
From the beginning, Petersham Memorial Library has served a public purpose
supported by private generosity. Founded as a memorial and educational resource, the library
has remained a cornerstone of community life—providing free access to
knowledge, cultural enrichment, and a gathering place for civic engagement.
Its operations are sustained by a private endowment, town appropriations, and
careful stewardship by a Board of Corporators and Board of Trustees—nine elected
by the Corporators and three by the Town, as originally outlined in its incorporation.
The library’s architecture, character, and mission continue to make it the heart of
Petersham’s historic Common and community.