The Brookline Public Library is housed in a former Methodist Church. Originally constructed in 1859 on land conveyed to several Brookline citizens, the land had a strict condition to be occupied for the purposes of a “House of Worship for the Methodist Episcopal Church.” According to the deed, if the land ever ceased to be used for that purpose, the land would revert to the original owner, Joseph C. Tucker.

Used as a Methodist Church for 40 years until 1951, it functioned as an activity center for the town and church youth groups. When the Brookline Library needed to move out of Town Hall in 1992, the Town voted to purchase the building from the Church for approximately $25,000 to renovate it as a Town Library. However, before that could be realized it was necessary to have the heirs of Joseph C. Tucker release any interest in the property to provide the town with a clear title.

Local residents began the extensive searches for any heirs of Mr. Tucker and located his sole heir 133 years after the original conveyance who released his interest in the property so that the Library could move in.

In 1992, the Friends of the Library re-formed after a three-year hiatus and were instrumental in providing funds, labor, and support during the move.