Join us for Oktoberfest 2025! Oktoberfest is almost here!
Skip to content

Eldredge Public Library Chatham MA

Eldredge Public Library Chatham MA

Located at 564 Main Street in Chatham, Massachusetts, the Eldredge Public Library Chatham, MA is a cornerstone of the Cape Cod community. Established in 1896, this historic Romanesque library offers far more than books; it serves as a hub for local history, genealogy research, architectural heritage, and lifelong learning. 

Whether you're a Chatham resident, a tourist exploring Barnstable County, or a genealogist delving into New England roots, the library invites you into a space rich with knowledge, culture, and community connection.

Origins & Architecture

  • The library was a gift from Marcellus Eldredge, a native of Chatham who became a successful businessman and legislator in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He bought land in 1894 (for about $1,000) on Main Street and commissioned the original building, which took about a year and cost ~$30,000. 
  • The architect was Albion M. Marble of Fall River, a student of H. H. Richardson, designing the library in Renaissance/Romanesque Revival style. It features a granite foundation, red West Barnstable brick, brownstone trim, slate roof with terra cotta cresting, eyebrow dormers, oak interior woodwork, stained glass, and marble mosaic vestibule. 
  • Over time, the library expanded with a small addition in 1968, and a larger, three‑story addition in 1991‑92 by A. Anthony Tappe & Associates, designed to harmonize with the original building. The usable space grew to about 18,000 square feet. 
  • It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992 for its architectural significance. 

Collections & Research Resources

  • Genealogy Department: One of the jewels of EPL. Located on the second floor overlooking the main reading room, it houses the Edgar Francis Waterman Memorial Genealogical Collection. More than 4,000 books/manuscripts, historic maps, newspapers, periodicals; supports research in New England vital records, immigration, military records, colonial lineage, etc.
  • Digital Newspaper Archives: The library has digitized historic Chatham newspapers dating from the 1870s through various periods up to 2022. Researchers can access page images of old local newspapers like Chatham Monitor, Cape Cod Chronicle, etc., both online and via library computers.
  • Databases & Online Resources: EPL offers access to various digital resources: Ancestry.com (within the library), periodical databases, remote sources, craft & art classes via Creativebug, current magazines and news content, etc.

Services & Facilities

  • Library Hours:
    • Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat: 10am‑5pm
    • Tues & Thurs: 11am‑7pm
  • Genealogy Dept Hours: Tuesdays 1‑4pm; Saturdays 10am‑1pm; also by appointment.
  • Address & Contact: 564 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633. Phone: 508‑945‑5170. Fax: 508‑945‑5173.
  • Other Facilities: public computers, free WiFi, scanner, quiet study spaces, museum discount passes, meeting or event programming, a youth services desk, etc. 

Role in the Community & Culture

  • The library is privately managed by a Board of Trustees, the building/land are owned by the Town of Chatham. Funding comes from a mix: town appropriation (just over 50%), the library’s endowment, and contributions. The Friends of the Eldredge Public Library support special projects and cultural programming.
  • Over its first full year (1896‑97), circulation was about 11,738 when Chatham’s year‑round population was ~1,800. By 1999, with a population of ~7,098, circulation across all media was over 104,980.
  • The library offers events such as local history/genealogy series, children’s programming, exhibitions, reading challenges, etc. 

Visiting as a Tourist or Researcher

  • If you're in Chatham (especially during the summer tourist season), Eldredge Public Library is a worthwhile stop: both for its architecture and as a portal into local history.
  • For genealogists or family historians: bring names, dates, and towns of origin. Use the Waterman collection along with the digitized newspapers and online resources. Staff assistance is available during genealogy hours.

For tourists looking for culture, quiet reading, exhibits, or local storytelling: check the event calendar. For example, the Family History Series is offered to help people connect with local or family narratives.

Why It Matters

Eldredge Public Library Chatham MA is a living piece of Chatham’s heritage. It anchors community identity, preserves local memory (through newspapers, genealogical records, and events), and offers a welcoming space for all kinds of learning, whether your interest is in family roots, local environment, literature, or simply quiet reading by the sea. 

Its architecture is itself a lesson in design and history. For the tourist, a historian, or resident alike, it’s more than a library: it’s a lens into Chatham’s past and present.

Scroll To Top