History of the Haynes Library
On December 3, 1896, the cornerstone was laid in Preston Square for the building of the Haynes Institute. On November 11, 1897, Governor Haynes-Smith took a historic walk from Cupid's Cay, where he had landed, to officially dedicate the Haynes Library building, opening the doors for the first time.
Over the years the building was used for a number of government purposes, with the library being relegated to the second floor. It was eventually closed, the books were disposed of, and the building was slated for demolition.
In 1995, restoration of the historical Haynes Library began: the roof was replaced, the gingerbread restored, new shutters installed and the building repainted. In 1996 shelves were built for the main room, electricity upgraded and the plumbing repaired. Donated and purchased books were obtained and the main floor of the library opened. In 1997 the downstairs windows were replaced, each a gift of an individual donor. A new interior staircase was designed and built, a gift in the name of Alexia Knowles.
In 1997, through a generous donation of Mr. Lloyd Babcock, the existing garage was converted into an adult reading room providing a much needed and beautiful addition to our library.
A private donation, made by the Chace Family Fund, Providence, Rhode Island, in honour of the late Tina Frost, enabled major renovations and restoration to the interior and exterior of the Haynes Library in 1999. This substantial contribution also allowed the completion of the second storey, which now houses the Tina Frost Computer Resource Centre donated and supported by the Frost family.