The family moved between Beaver Dam, Beloit and Baraboo due to his father's illness and difficulties at the University.

[4] In 1884, he became the editor of the Beaver Dam Argus (a Democratic weekly published by Benjamin Sherman), a position he held until 1891.

[5] He also worked as the city clerk during this time, and observing the community's need, he helped establish the Beaver Dam Free Library Association on August 30, 1884.

When it was reorganized in 1897, Hutchins was appointed as salaried secretary and chief executive officer, a position he held until 1904 when he resigned due to poor health.

[12] He designed the concept of the Legislative Reference Library, a feature of the Wisconsin Idea, which was guided into legislation by Cornelia Marvin after Hutchins fell ill.[13] It became the life work of the progressive politician, Charles McCarthy, who credited Hutchins as its originator, being called "the father of Wisconsin public libraries".

[22] Speakers included Lutie Stearns, Charles R. Van Hise, Francis E. McGovern and Jane Addams.