Local
South Kingstown library’s former courthouse reaches 250-year milestone
The Kingston Free Library marked the 250th anniversary of its 1776 building, which has served as a courthouse, meeting place, concert hall and library. The celebration highlighted its history and the community’s role in preserving it.
SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. — The Kingston Free Library marked 250 years of history Saturday, celebrating a building constructed in 1776 that has served generations of South Kingstown residents in several roles.
The structure was originally a courthouse. It later became a town meeting place and concert hall before being used as a library.
“It really is a piece of history,” said Laurel Clark, director of South Kingstown Public Libraries.
The anniversary program included historical presentations and artifacts, among them posters, old playbills and scrapbooks documenting library programs and events from the 1970s and 1980s. Presenters also described how residents joined together to repair the building in the 1700s and preserve its history.
For library member Zachary Jennings, the celebration reflected a personal connection to the institution. He said he grew up with the library and now, as a young adult, helps host events and activities there.
The milestone underscored the building’s changing civic role and its enduring place as a gathering point for the community.