Randall Library
🏢 Minuteman Library Network · Stow, Massachusetts
Randall Library
Founded in 1851 on a Harvard naturalist's gift of 700 books, Randall Library's 1894 Romanesque Revival landmark on Crescent Street reopened in 2026 after a major renovation — expanded with a new 7,730-square-foot wing and back in its historic home in Stow.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–8pm |
| Thursday | 9am–5pm |
| Friday | 9am–2pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 19 Crescent Street, Stow, MA 01775
Phone: (978) 897-8572
Website: stow-ma.gov
Plus Code: 87JCCFPW+R3 (Stow, MA)
📱 Scan for directions
Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Randall Library
Randall Library has served Stow since 1851, when John Witt Randall — a Harvard-trained naturalist (class of 1834) who served as consulting zoologist to the U.S. Exploring Expedition — donated his personal library of 700 books to the town. His sister Belinda Lull Randall carried out his wishes and funded the handsome Romanesque Revival building designed by architect George G. Adams, dedicated on February 22, 1894; a $12,500 endowment trust he established continues to support the collection today. A basement addition was dedicated during Stow's Bicentennial in May 1976. In 2022 town voters approved demolishing the aging 1976 wing and replacing it with a new 7,730-square-foot addition designed by designLAB architects; demolition began July 10, 2024, and the library reopened at 19 Crescent Street in spring 2026 with expanded children's, teen, and community spaces. The library is a member of the Minuteman Library Network, giving a single Stow card access to 40-plus libraries across eastern Massachusetts.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded 1851 by Harvard naturalist John Witt Randall — original $12,500 endowment trust still funds collection acquisitions today
- 1894 Romanesque Revival landmark designed by architect George G. Adams, expanded in 2026 with a new 7,730 sq ft wing by designLAB architects
- Minuteman Library Network member — one card gives access to 40+ eastern Massachusetts libraries and a shared ebook/audiobook catalog
- Library of Things collection: borrow tools, arts & crafts supplies, and STEM equipment for 7–21 days
- Fine-free lending; 3D Print Request service; Museum Pass lending; and free doorstep delivery program
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Stow cardholders can borrow digitally for free through the Minuteman network and statewide Massachusetts resources:
📚 Services
- Minuteman Library Network card (usable at 40+ eastern Massachusetts libraries)
- Fine-free borrowing (3-week loan periods; Speed Reads 2 weeks)
- Library of Things (tools, arts & crafts, STEM items — up to 3 items/month)
- 3D Print Request service
- Doorstep Delivery Program for homebound patrons
- Museum Pass lending for regional cultural attractions
- Community meeting rooms (post-2026 renovation)
- Public computers, Wi-Fi printing, and photocopier
- Commonwealth Catalog statewide interlibrary loan
🎸 Programs
- Songs & Stories storytime (children, weekly)
- Baby Lapsit program (infants and caregivers)
- Preschool STEAM Story Times
- STEAM Club (ages 5+)
- Therapy dog reading sessions
- Seed-saving workshops
- Local history and heritage talks
- Author events and community book discussions
📍 Nearby Libraries in Middlesex County
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Stow · Browse all Massachusetts libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was John Witt Randall, and why is Stow's library named after him?
John Witt Randall (1813–1892) was a Boston-born Harvard graduate who pursued life as a naturalist, poet, and art collector rather than practicing medicine. He served as consulting zoologist to the U.S. Exploring Expedition and published scientific papers on beetles and crustaceans while maintaining a summer estate in Stow. In 1851 he donated his personal library of 700 books to the town; his bequest of $25,000 funded the 1894 building, and a $12,500 endowment trust he established continues to support the collection to this day.
What happened during the 2024–2026 renovation, and where was the library in the meantime?
Town voters approved a project in 2022 to demolish the deteriorating 1976 basement addition and replace it with a new 7,730-square-foot wing. Demolition began July 10, 2024, and the library operated temporarily from the lower level of Stow Town Hall at 380 Great Road. The renovated building — featuring a new children's area, teen space, and community rooms designed by designLAB architects — reopened at 19 Crescent Street in spring 2026.
Can my Stow card get books from other Massachusetts libraries?
Yes. Randall Library is part of the Minuteman Library Network, a cooperative of more than 40 public libraries across eastern Massachusetts. One Stow card lets you borrow from any member library and access a shared ebook and audiobook collection at minuteman.overdrive.com. You can also request items from libraries statewide through the Commonwealth Catalog interlibrary loan service.
What kinds of items can I borrow from the Library of Things?
The Library of Things lets you check out non-book items just like regular library materials. Categories include tools, arts and crafts supplies, and STEM equipment. You may borrow up to 3 items per month, with loan periods of 7, 14, or 21 days depending on the item; no automatic renewals. Items can be reserved through the library's online portal.
🎨 This library lends museum passes. See how library museum passes work and find other libraries that lend passes museum passes by state.
🧰 This library lends a “Library of Things.” See what you can borrow besides books and find other libraries with a Library of Things Library of Things by state.
🔨 This library has a makerspace / 3D printing. See how library makerspaces and 3D printing work and find other libraries with a makerspace makerspaces by state.
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