In 1926, the Burnham Library opened its doors to the Bridgewater community for the very first time. Today, 100 years later, the library is still serving as the cornerstone of the community.

To honor this milestone, a celebration is planned to take place over an entire year, with a variety of programs, exhibits, and events to commemorate the library’s rich history and continued dedication to the community.

The Burnham Library has been a vital part of the community for a century, providing access to information, knowledge, and culture. The Centennial Celebration is a testament to our enduring importance and commitment to serving the community for generations to come.

 

Burnham Library 1979. Photo by Robert Gumpper. Burnham Library Archives.

Celebrate with us!

Where is Captain Bur-Gnome?

September 2025 – August 2026

Captain Bur-Gnome will be hiding around Bridgewater Center all year long to celebrate the 100th Birthday of the Burnham Library!

Burnham Library: A History

September 20, 2025

Thank you for joining us for a special reception unveiling our new permanent exhibit on the history of the Burnham Library, created in celebration of our 100th year.

Centennial Reading Challenge

September 2025 – August 2026

Celebrate Burnham’s 100th by reading a book set in each decade from the 1920s through the 2020s! For each book you read, you receive a raffle ticket for the Grand Prize!

Burnham Library Centennial Art Show

November 4 – December 26, 2025

Artist Reception on Saturday, December 6 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm

In honor of Burnham’s Centennial, we’re hosting a special two-month art show of Bridgewater’s finest.

O Silent Night: Cheers to 100 Years

November 15, 2025

Thank you for joining us! Enjoy the ALBUM

Library Rededication Celebration

August 15, 2026

SAVE THE DATE! You are invited to a community picnic filled with food, games, and a special rededication of our library. More details to follow …

Centennial Partners

Untitled design (3)
Piggott Sponsor

Roxbury Animal Clinic

Westernview Farms, LLC

Van Wyck Brooks Sponsor

CertifEYED Associates, LLC

Nate Frost, Coldwell Banker

Carolan & Patrick Dwyer

Hantsch Electric

Hawley Brothers Construction

Indian Valley Farm

Litchfield Pilates & Integrative Health

T2 Studios, LLC

Community Sponsor

Candlewood Valley Pediatrics

David and Dera Cooper

Lisa M. Lau & Charlie Fields

Eric and Catherine Vikstrom

Commemorative Booklet Sponsor

The Ambruso Family

Smita and Nealoy Bandyopadhyay

Bridgewater Convenience Store

Bridgewater Hilltop Center

Bridgewater Land Trust

Members of the Bridgewater United Congregational Church

Burnham School PTO

Fiorita Kornhaas & Company, PC

George and Gracie Perlman

Lew I. Haber and Carmen Dubroc

JP Lawn Care

JLed Creative, Julie Ledbetter

Jean Kallay

Kivela Realty, Coldwell Banker

Litchfield Hills Pilates, Suzette Jordan

Susan and Ed Niesobecki

Michael Perlman and Alex Alexin

O’Keiff Orthodontics

Lisa Peck

Pinter Electric, Andy Pinter

Ragno Construction Co., The Scalzo Family

The Ruppert Family

Andrea Rush