The earliest record of a library in Weare is noted in William Little's History of Weare, New Hampshire, published in 1888. The South Weare Social Library was incorporated on December 7, 1793, housing its 90 volumes in a private home. On June 25, 1829, the state legislature incorporated the Weare Union Library of Weare Center.
Weare established a free library in 1892 in compliance with state statutes passed the previous year. The book collection outgrew several locations, finally arriving at a building on East Road in Weare Center. This building, constructed with money left by Eben L. Paige, was dedicated in 1927 and remains in use today as a part of the expanded Weare Public Library.
Today's Library is the result of a two-phase building project begun in May, 1991. An addition to the north side of the old building moved the library entrance to Paige Memorial Lane. Phase I, the adult section on the present library's main floor, officially opened in September, 1991. Upon completion of Phase II, a reception held on February 7, 1993, dedicated the public meeting room on the lower level to Emma Sawyer. The children's room, also on the lower level, opened in June, 1993. Expansion has provided space for the library's book collection, which exceeds 19,000 volumes and for programs such as children's story times, adult meetings and discussion groups.
