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PHILADELPHIA — United for Libraries, in partnership with the trustees of the Richards Free Library in Newport, N.H., designated the library a Literary Landmark in honor of Sarah Josepha Hale on Saturday., Nov. 23.

Hale (1788-1879) was a prominent 19^th century editor who promoted the education of women and their important role in society. As editor of “Godey’s Lady Book,” she nurtured the careers of Catherine Beecher, Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Oliver Wendell Holmes. Instrumental in the completion of the Bunker Hill Monument, her many contributions to American culture include a successful campaign to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. Hale wrote nearly 50 volumes of work throughout her life, including the nursery rhyme “Mary had a Little Lamb.”

More than 200 people attended the Literary Landmark dedication ceremony. New Hampshire State Librarian Michael York read the Literary Landmark plaque and explained why Hale was deserving of such an honor, and what the designation means. This is the first Literary Landmark dedicated in New Hampshire.

The Literary Landmark program is administered by United for Libraries. More than 130 Literary Landmarks across the United States have been dedicated since the program began in 1986. Any library or group may apply for a Literary Landmark through United for Libraries. is available on the United for Libraries website.

: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the 91´«Ã½ that supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries. United for Libraries brings together library trustees, advocates, friends and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information or to join United for Libraries, visit the or contact Jillian Kalonick at (312) 280-2161 or jkalonick@ala.org.