This South Shore library started with shoe factory money in 1897. It is still going strong

WEYMOUTH – The 125th anniversary of the Fogg Library will be celebrated with a series of events and programs this month.

"Whether providing basic library services, participating in events like the holiday stroll or welcoming the community to its front lawn for our Summer Sounds concerts, Fogg Library has been a centerpiece of Columbian Square for over a century," said Robert MacLean, the town's director of library services. "We are proud to serve the community from this beautiful, historic building."

The Fogg Library was built in 1897 with money for its construction by left by John S. Fogg, a shoe manufacturer and banker. It was maintained as a private library that served mainly South Weymouth residents before becoming part of the Weymouth Public Libraries in 1975. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

The building was closed in 2005 due to damage caused by water leaks. The library underwent a $1.5 million exterior renovation that was completed in 2010. A $1.8 million interior renovation was completed in 2014, when the library reopened. The interior work included installing an elevator, moving the children's area upstairs from the basement and converting the basement into public meeting space.

The library has so many events: And not just for its anniversary. Check them out here

The events will begin with a discussion of the Fogg Library's architecture at 7 p.m. Monday at the Tufts Library, 46 Broad St. History enthusiast and retired architect Dave Finney will talk about the building's design and its context within late 19th-century architecture. Gail Trachtenberg, an architect and principal owner of MT, the firm which oversaw the renovation, will speak about the project. Jim Clarke of the Weymouth Historical Commission will serve as master of ceremonies.

A short documentary by the Weymouth Educational Telecommunications Corp. (WETC) on the Fogg Library's 125th anniversary will be shown at 11 a.m. Tuesday and 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Tufts Library. The documentary will be added to the library's circulating DVD collection.

A special birthday-themed story time will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Fogg Library, 1 Columbian St.

A 125th anniversary talk and reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 16. The talk will feature stained glass artist and restorer Jane Walsh, of Coastal Glass in Norwell, and be held at the Old South Union Church, 25 Columbian St. Walsh will talk about her work to repair and conserve two of the Fogg Library's historic stained-glass windows. Following the talk, there will be an open house at the library with light refreshments.

At 10 a.m. Sept. 23, there will be a class on imitation stained-glass crafting at the Tufts Library. The program is supported in part by a grant from the Weymouth Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Advance registration is required.

Through Sept. 16, library patrons can register to win a commemorative Fogg Library 125th anniversary tote bag filled with books and other library-related prizes. Entries must be made in person at the Fogg Library during its regular hours and are limited to one per person per day.

The Fogg Library is open from 1 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 1 to 5 p.m. Thursdays.

The Weymouth Garden Club will also install new plantings outside the library's lower entrance as part of the celebration.

For more information about the events or to register, go to the Weymouth Public Libraries event calendar at weymouth.assabetinteractive.com/calendar.

Reach Fred Hanson at fhanson@patriotledger.com.

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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Weymouth celebrating 125 years of learning at the Fogg Library