Peru Library was formed in 1977 by a group of volunteers, in a small front room of the current library building at 6 West Main Rd. on Rte. 143. The library’s initial collection was composed mainly of donated books. Local volunteers built shelving and held bake sales to help pay for supplies. The library was heated with wood. The founders were able to secure $50 in annual funding from the town. It soon expanded to include a second small room, then moved to a large main room.

By 1982, the library was receiving State Aid. In 1986, it achieved two milestones with its organization as a non-profit corporation and purchase of the historic building from Peru Congregational Church for $1.

The building, variously described as Queen Anne, Greek Revival and Georgian, was long believed to be the town’s original meeting-house, dating to the 1780’s: however, it’s recently been discovered that it more likely dates to the early 1900’s. Research into this surprising development is underway.

In 1986, the founders noted, “The building had many problems, but proved to be the only available space in town.” This remains true today, though the library is well suited to its simple space, which is an appropriate size for the population, sited at town center, easily visible on a hill-top, and as a “living” building, the aging structure benefits from its continued use as a library.

In recent years, improvements have been made to the interior, including the addition of meeting areas, relocation of historic displays, expansion of the children’s area, and updates to increase energy efficiency.  

Peru Library is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and is governed by a Board of Trustees. Funding is through a combination of Town appropriations and State Aid, along with grants and gifts. Peru Library is a member of the Massachusetts Library System.