During a lecture at Winchendon Academy on December 6, 1850, Rev. A. P. Marvin called for the creation of a library to provide “a fountain of improvement and of happiness; an inexhaustible spring of the purest, richest nutriment for the immortal minds of the youth of this generation, and of the many generations that are to come.” The “Winchendon Scientific and Literary Association” was formed, raising funds to purchase books and bookcases. In 1867 the library formally became part of the town and moved into the A. B. Smith block on Front Street. Multiple relocations followed.

In 1907 the library trustees reached out to Andrew Carnegie for a grant. His offer of $12,500 was less than the town desired. Subsequently, local businessman Mr. Charles L. Beals offered $25,000 to the town for “a public library to be called the Beals Memorial Library in memory of my wife, Hattie M. Beals, and George L. Beals and family” and the offer was graciously accepted.

The formal dedication of the Beals Memorial Library took place on September 30, 1913. Recent upgrades to the building have improved accessibility to the historic structure.