The Westfield Athenaeum was incorporated by an act of the Massachusetts Legislature on March 11, 1864 and opened its doors on January 1, 1868 after the townspeople and  2 major donors provided the land, the building, and the books. By 1895, all residents of town fourteen years of age and older could use the library at no cost. And in 1898, the Trustees of the Westfield Academy gave the land and building at the corner of Court and Elm Street to the Athenaeum, where we have lived ever since.

The Westfield Athenaeum has been serving the public, collecting our history, and changing to meet the needs of our citizens. We provide youth activities for all ages as well as homebound delivery. We provide books, music, audiobooks, STEM kits, eBooks, toys, Internet access and many kinds of opportunities for learning, relaxing, creating and exploring.

This endeavor to digitize our newspapers was funded by the Smith/Strong Fund (set aside to fund historical projects) and the Thayer family who invest in us every year. We are truly appreciative of all who donate to the Westfield Athenaeum and are proud to present this version of Westfield’s history.