Baker Free Library
🏢 New Hampshire State Library Network · Bow, New Hampshire
Baker Free Library
Baker Free Library has stood at 509 South Street since 1914, when Congressman Henry M. Baker — a cousin of Mary Baker Eddy — donated $10,000 and the adjacent family land to the Town of Bow so that every resident would have a free public library. The elegant Classical Revival building still serves that original promise, open four evenings a week and offering free notary services through the library director.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–8pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–8pm |
| Thursday | 10am–8pm |
| Friday | 10am–6pm |
| Saturday | 10am–4pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 509 South Street, Bow, NH 03304
Phone: (603) 224-7113
Website: bowbakerfreelibrary.org
Plus Code: 87MC5FC8+P8 (Bow, NH)
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📖 About Baker Free Library
Baker Free Library is the public library of Bow, New Hampshire, a Merrimack County town of about 8,000 residents just south of Concord. It was founded in 1914 through a gift from U.S. Congressman Henry M. Baker, who donated $10,000 and the parcel beside his family home on South Street. Architect William McLean designed the building in a Classical Revival style similar to the Carnegie libraries of the era, and it has remained at its original site ever since. Inside, the historic 1914 Reading Room offers a quieter place for study, alongside two dedicated Tutoring Rooms available anytime the library is open. The collection runs to more than 43,600 volumes, and the library participates in NHU-PAC, the statewide union catalog, so patrons can request items from libraries across New Hampshire. The Baker Free Library Foundation supports programs and enhancements beyond the town budget, ensuring the building and collections continue to grow.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded 1914 by Congressman Henry M. Baker, cousin of Mary Baker Eddy — he donated $10,000 and the family land on South Street to the Town of Bow
- 1914 Classical Revival building designed by architect William McLean, still serving Bow at its original South Street location
- Free Notary Public service provided by the Library Director at no charge — call ahead to confirm availability
- Historic 1914 Reading Room plus two Tutoring Rooms available for quiet study during all open hours
- Collection of more than 43,600 volumes with interlibrary loan through the NHU-PAC statewide network
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Bow cardholders can borrow, stream, and research free through New Hampshire's statewide digital collections:
📚 Services
- Free Notary Public service by the Library Director (call ahead to confirm availability)
- Historic 1914 Reading Room and two Tutoring Rooms for quiet study
- Circulating books, audiobooks, DVDs and magazines (43,600+ volumes)
- Public computers and free Wi-Fi
- Interlibrary loan through NHU-PAC statewide union catalog
- Digital collection via NH Downloadable Books (Libby / OverDrive) and hoopla
- Reference and reader's advisory assistance
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytimes and youth programming
- Teen programs and summer reading
- Adult programs and author events
- Baker Free Library Foundation community events
- Genealogy resources and research assistance
📍 Nearby Libraries in Merrimack County
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Henry M. Baker, and why is Bow's library named for him?
Henry M. Baker was a U.S. Congressman from New Hampshire and a cousin of Mary Baker Eddy, founder of the Church of Christ, Scientist. In 1912 he donated $10,000 and the land beside his family home on South Street to the Town of Bow for a public library. The Baker Free Library, dedicated in 1914, was built on that land and has carried his name ever since.
Does Baker Free Library offer notary services?
Yes. The Baker Free Library offers free Notary Public services through the Library Director. No appointment is required, but it's best to call (603) 224-7113 in advance to confirm a notary is available before you visit.
What are the library's evening and weekend hours?
Baker Free Library is open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The library is closed on Sunday.
Can I borrow materials from other New Hampshire libraries through Baker Free Library?
Yes. Baker Free Library participates in NHU-PAC, the New Hampshire statewide union catalog. Bow cardholders can request items from member libraries across the state through interlibrary loan. Ask staff at the reference desk or call (603) 224-7113 to place a request.
📋 This library offers notary services. See what a library notary can do — what to bring, fees and appointments — and find other libraries with a notary notary services by state.
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✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.