Louttit Library was originally a one-room schoolhouse built in 1936 to replace the Sharpe Street School, which had been destroyed by fire.
The Louttit family provided the funding. It was the first school in town with electricity.In 1950, the four one-room schoolhouses were closed and the
students then went to the new West Greenwich Consolidated Elementary School. They were thrilled because the new school had central heat, indoor plumbing and even a cafeteria!
At the time, a group of residents suggested using the empty schoolhouse for a library. Incorporation took place in 1951. Books were donated and the library was open two hours on Wednesday
night and two hours on Saturday. The first librarian was Marie Rathbun. Her salary was $25 every six months.
In 1978, the Louttit family felt the library should be closer to town hall, so they paid to have it moved to its
present location. Additions were put on in 1988, 1992, and 1998. A Community Cultural Center was added to the
library in 2010. Funds were provided by the generous donations from Champlin Foundation and West Greenwich
residents. The Elsie Palmgren Oltedale Community Cultural Center may be used by non-profit organizations with permission from the Louttit Library board of trustees.
