TODAY
Union Public Library Association is a recognized 501 (c) (3) charitable organization under Section 170 of the IRS code. This charming, little library offers a wide selection of children’s literature, a unique collection of art books and a research room with an impressive compilation of local history and genealogy materials.
Through the fellowship between UPLA and Tiverton Library Services, Union Public Library shares over 14,000 items, provides Wi-Fi and access to the statewide lending system currently under the Ocean State Library Organization.
1987
State begins CLAN (Cooperating Libraries Automated Network) System: Tiverton Libraries join
1985
Renovations to Library: Lavatory and Children’s book room
1971
North Tiverton Library, Essex Library, Union Public Library consolidates under one umbrella to form the Tiverton Library Services.
1965
Union Public Library affiliates with Essex Library
1923
Union Public Library registers with the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations as a “non-business corporation”
The land is donated to the Union Public Library by Joseph S. Potter and Lillian Potter. The library is then moved back from the road to its current location.
1896
Beginning in 1896 the association rented Good Templars Hall, from the members of the Pocasset Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars.
Until 1896 the library had been housed in many locations throughout Tiverton Four Corners
The association bought the building in 1914.
1888
Membership became free and the library was open to the public
In time the name changed again. It became the Union Public Library
1860
Name changed to Tiverton Union Library
1820
Established as a social library by Simeon Borden, Adoniram Brown and Pardon G. Seabury
Union Society: Initially a private library with invited members
According to a transcription of Cornelius Seabury’s “writing of the forming of a library called “Union Library”” by Lilian Potter in 1940, 21 initial shareholders are listed.
