Hitchcock Memorial Museum & Library

Westfield’s public library and museum, on the village green corridor along VT Route 100.

Hours

As announced on the official town site for June 2026 (Sundays closed beginning June 21, 2026):

• Tuesday — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Thursday — 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hours change — always confirm on westfield.vt.gov/hitchcock-library (and the town home page) before visiting.

What it offers

• Fiction, non-fiction, children’s books; DVDs and audiobooks on CD — checkout for Vermont and summer residents.
• Computer, printer, and copier (per-page charge for print/copy).
• Wi‑Fi inside and outside 24 hours; network name Hitchcock, no password (also listed as a free town hotspot with the Community Center).
• Museum collections: American/African animal & bird displays, rocks/minerals, corals, butterflies; donated historical items; rare/antique books.
• Meeting/class area for Westfield residents during open hours.
• Online catalog: libib.com/u/hitchcockmemorialvt.

Programs historically noted on the town library page include a NEKCA playgroup, trustee meetings (1st Thursday at 4 p.m.), and occasional community events — confirm current schedule on the town site.

Building history

Land and a $10,000 endowment to build a library and natural-history museum were gifted by Aaron Charles Hitchcock (born Westfield July 19, 1823; died March 1, 1900). The building was completed in 1899 and continues as a memorial to his gift. The Town Plan describes Hitchcock as a local farmer, businessman, and real-estate investor. The Selectboard oversees the facilities; collections grew to include wild-game trophies, ships-in-bottles (Ralph Preston donation), and town history in photos, documents, and objects (e.g. the first plow). An elected Board of Trustees has overseen library operations since March Town Meeting Day 2023 (chair Jenn Stelma and others listed on the library page).

Sources: Town Hitchcock Museum/Library page; westfield.vt.gov home (hours + directors); 2019 Town Plan (PDF); HMML General Operation / Conduct Policy (PDF).