Library Organization and Governance

The Buckland Public Library has been a cornerstone of community life in Buckland since 1891. Its origins trace back to a bequest from LeBaron D. Ruddock in 1889, intended to help establish a Congregational church library. Inspired by this gift, Rev. Alpheus C. Hodges proposed creating a free public library and pledged $1,000 if the town could raise a matching amount. With strong local support, the funds were quickly secured.

The site chosen for the library had once been the location of a Methodist church; after the land was purchased, the church building was moved down the street, and is now the Buckland Public Hall. The new library consisted of a single reading room with a large fireplace, book-lined walls, and space for community use. When it opened, the library held around 2,000 volumes, thanks to generous donations from church and community members. Originally called the Free Public Church Library, it was dedicated on July 4, 1891.

For the first 20 years, the library was supported entirely by the Congregational Church. In 1912, an agreement was made with the Town of Buckland to take over daily operations and maintenance, while the church retained ownership. That arrangement continued until 2002, when the library, its building, land, and assets were officially transferred to a new nonprofit, The Buckland Public Library, Inc. 

By the early 2000s, after more than a century of use, the library building was in need of repairs and modernization. In response, the community came together to raise funds for a restoration and expansion project that tripled the library’s size. The renovation, completed in 2010, made the library more accessible, added new shelving, and created a cozy community room with a small kitchen. Visit our Library Tour page to see how the space has changed!

Today, the Buckland Public Library continues to serve the town as a welcoming place for reading, learning, and gathering — a reflection of the same community spirit that built it over a century ago. 

Sources 

Kendrick, Fannie Shaw (1937). The History of Buckland 1779-1935, with Genealogies by Lucy Cutler Kellogg. Buckland, Mass. pg 291-2

The Buckland Public Library Memorial Book (2010). Buckland, Mass. 

The Buckland Public Library is governed by a dedicated Library Board of Trustees, composed of both elected and appointed volunteers who serve staggered terms to maintain continuity. The Trustees are responsible for setting library policies—such as borrowing rules, collection development guidelines, and hours of operation—as well as hiring and evaluating the Library Director. They oversee the library’s budget, approve expenditures, and manage funds appropriated by the town along with those provided by the library’s nonprofit support organization. In addition, the Trustees advocate for the library within the community and to government bodies, engage in long-term strategic planning, and ensure the maintenance of the library building and its utilities.

The Library Director manages the day-to-day operations of the Buckland Public Library and plays a key leadership role in its overall functioning. In addition to overseeing daily activities, the Director supervises library staff, programs, and services; administers the library’s budget; and ensures the effective implementation of policies set by the Board of Trustees. The Director also represents the library in the community and to partner agencies, serving as the primary liaison between the Board and library staff.

While not part of the library’s formal governance structure, the Friends of the Library play a vital supporting role. They help raise funds, organize volunteers, and promote community engagement, all of which enhance the library’s programs, services, and visibility within the community. Our Friends group is relatively new and is always on the lookout for new opportunities to increase library support!

The Buckland Public Library is partially funded through its own endowment and also receives annual financial support from the Town of Buckland. Each year, a portion of the library’s operating budget is funded by the town, subject to approval by Town Meeting. In addition to financial contributions, the town government manages payroll, ensures compliance with local and state policies, oversees human resources procedures, and provides essential maintenance support such as snow plowing and landscaping.

Buckland Public Library is a member of the CWMARS consortium of libraries. CWMARS (Central and Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing) is a network of over 150 libraries that work together to expand access to materials and services across the region. Through a shared online catalog, patrons can borrow from a combined collection of millions of items using a single library card, and return them at any member library. CW MARS also provides technical support, interlibrary loan services, and shared digital resources like eBooks and audiobooks. By working together, member libraries can offer more to their communities than they could alone.

In Massachusetts, library policy, funding, and administration are influenced by several state and federal organizations. At the state level, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) oversees library standards, distributes state aid, administers construction grants, and supports resource sharing among libraries. The Massachusetts Library System (MLS) provides delivery services, training, and access to shared resources, enhancing collaboration and efficiency across libraries. Federally, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) provides funding through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), supporting innovation, access, and equity in libraries nationwide.