Tucker Free Library
🏢 Tucker Free Library · Henniker, New Hampshire
Tucker Free Library
Named for benefactor George Tucker and opened in a grand ceremony on September 22, 1904, the Tucker Free Library occupies a regionally recognized historic building at the center of Henniker — a library on the NH State Register of Historic Places and the 2018 NHLTA Library of the Year.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10am–5pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–5pm |
| Thursday | 10am–5pm |
| Friday | 1pm–5pm |
| Saturday | 9am–1pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 31 Western Avenue, HENNIKER, NH 03242
Phone: (603) 428-3471
Website: tuckerfreelibrary.org
Plus Code: 87MC55HG+VH (HENNIKER, NH)
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📖 About Tucker Free Library
The Tucker Free Library is the public library of Henniker, a Merrimack County college town straddling the Contoocook River in central New Hampshire. The library's story begins with George Tucker, a native of Henniker who left a bequest to his hometown after visiting for Old Home Days in 1902. When Tucker's funds didn't cover the cost of land, local businessman Henry Emerson stepped forward to purchase the lot and donate furnishings. Architect Henry Martyn Francis — known for his work throughout the region — designed the building, which opened within 18 months of Tucker's death in a grand community celebration on September 22, 1904, replacing the earlier Henniker Library. Today the building is listed on the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places. The library holds more than 17,500 volumes, circulates over 35,800 items annually and has been recognized by the New Hampshire Library Trustees Association with a 2013 Trustee of the Year award, the 2018 Library of the Year designation and a 2020 Friends of the Year honor for its active 501(c)(3) Friends organization.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Opened September 22, 1904 — named for benefactor George Tucker, a Henniker native who left his bequest to the town
- Designed by architect Henry Martyn Francis; listed on the NH State Register of Historic Places
- NHLTA 2018 Library of the Year and 2013 Trustee of the Year — among New Hampshire's most-recognized community libraries
- Active Friends of Tucker Free Library (501c3) funding programs and the library's continuous used-book sale
- STEAM kits available for checkout; Libby app access and alternative delivery for homebound patrons
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Tucker Free Library cardholders enjoy free statewide digital resources through New Hampshire's library network:
📚 Services
- Circulating collection of over 17,500 volumes including books, films and audiobooks
- STEAM kits available for checkout
- Libby app — NH Downloadable Books eBooks and audiobooks
- Reference and reader's advisory assistance
- Homebound patron service — alternative delivery arrangements available
- Continuous Friends of the Library used-book sale
- Community meeting and program space
🎸 Programs
- Preschool storytimes and Tots programming
- After-school activities for children and teens
- UPLIFT Book Club and Cynthia Book Club (adult)
- Writing groups and cooking classes
- Seasonal and community programs through the Friends of Tucker Free Library
- Summer Reading Program
📍 Nearby Libraries in Merrimack County, NH
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in HENNIKER · Browse all New Hampshire libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was George Tucker, and why is the library named after him?
George Tucker was a Henniker native who moved away, built a fortune through strict business dealings, and — having no close relatives — bequeathed his estate to his hometown. He visited Henniker for Old Home Days in 1902 and passed away shortly after. His bequest funded the construction of a public library, which opened on September 22, 1904 as the Tucker Free Library in his honor.
Is the Tucker Free Library building historically significant?
Yes — it is listed on the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places. The building was designed by architect Henry Martyn Francis and completed in 1904. Local businessman Henry Emerson purchased the land and donated furnishings when Tucker's bequest fell short, making the project a true community collaboration.
What awards has the Tucker Free Library received?
The library has earned three honors from the New Hampshire Library Trustees Association: the 2013 Trustee of the Year award, the 2018 Library of the Year designation, and the 2020 Friends of the Year award for its active Friends organization.
What are the Tucker Free Library's hours?
The library is open Tuesday through Thursday 10 am–5 pm, Friday 1–5 pm, and Saturday 9 am–1 pm. It is closed on Monday and Sunday.
📅 This library has meeting & community rooms. See how library meeting rooms work — booking, policies and fees — and find other libraries with meeting or community rooms meeting rooms by state.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.
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