History

The library was first known as the Coventry Social Library. A wealthy Californian named H. G. Cogswell, remembering the kindness shown to him by some Coventry ladies, made a donation for a larger library. His donation required that the townspeople raise an equal amount. With this money, The South Coventry Library Association was formed and opened on April 4, 1880.

In 1911, Henry Dimock of Coventry offered the Association $40,000 if the library changed its name, 'in perpetuation of the memory of my grandfather the Reverend Chauncey Booth, long pastor of the Congregational Church in South Coventry, and of my father Dr. Timothy Dimock, who was born in South Coventry and there practiced as a physician during his long and useful life.' The South Coventry Library Association became The Booth and Dimock Memorial Library on May 20, 1911 . The present building opened on October 24, 1913 .

In 1968 The Booth & Dimock Memorial Library was officially declared the principal public library for the town of Coventry. Expansion of the building occurred, and the rededication of The Booth and Dimock Memorial Library took place on November 19, 1989 . Through its gradual change from the early years, it still holds the classic facade, which is a staple landmark on Main Street.