The image of libraries that most think of is an old dusty structure that has long since passed its prime. However, libraries remain important in society during this time of technological advancements. Here are a few oldest libraries in the United States with unique stories.
Redwood Library
The Redwood Library, built-in 1747 in Rhode Island, is one of the oldest community libraries in the country. A former Yale University president, Ezra Stiles, oversaw its construction while Peter Harrison created it. As locals began to use the structure more, officials included a delivery room when the structure was expanded in the 1800s.
Certain books were placed in an area only librarians could access, clearing up the library's interior. In addition to renting books, the Redwood Library also strives to save art and local artifacts.
Darby Free Library
As the oldest library in the United States, the Darby Free Library was built in 1743 by Quakers. About 230 books were stored at the Darby Free Library at its peak, mostly about nature, the English language, religion, and European history. Even though some have deteriorated over time, antique books are still displayed. If you wanted to check out a book, you had to pay a membership fee of about five shillings per month.
Boston Central Library
Opened in 1848, Boston Central Library has been in operation ever since. The library was built to compete with New York's larger libraries. Wealthy donors gave financial contributions and books to establish the library. Although the container was somewhat larger, an attachment was necessary to hold the 16,000 volume inventory despite its slightly larger size. The city's historic center was expanded with new additions and branches over the years.
Opened in 1848, Boston Central Library has been in operation ever since. The library was built to compete with New York's larger libraries. Wealthy donors gave financial contributions and books to establish the library. Although the container was somewhat larger, an attachment was necessary to hold the 16,000 volume inventory despite its slightly larger size. The city's historic center was expanded with new additions and branches over the years.
Library of Congress
This magnificent Library of Congress can be found behind the Capitol. The building was initially built in 1800 and served as a political research center. Thomas Jefferson's first thing was to sell many of his books and fill the shelves. A fire almost destroyed the library in 1814. Many of its historic holdings were destroyed in the fire, though some were saved. During the rebuilding process, the library was restocked with historical materials.
State Library of Iowa
Construction of the Iowa State Library began in 1840, and it is the state's newest and most beautiful library. The wooden staircases, decorative chandeliers, and stained glass windows in the connected law library are among its most attractive features. Ceramic tile floors adorn the four galleries of the library.
Construction of the Iowa State Library began in 1840, and it is the state's newest and most beautiful library. The wooden staircases, decorative chandeliers, and stained glass windows in the connected law library are among its most attractive features. Ceramic tile floors adorn the four galleries of the library.
Scoville Memorial Library
The Scoville Memorial Library opened in the late 1800s, just a short distance from Connecticut's Appalachian Trail. It seems as if this library is a small castle at first glance. Besides being a peaceful place to learn, the library also housed artifacts from the 15th century, including a stone carving. A clock tower at the library also plays a verse from Parsifal every quarter-hour.
Towell Library
Charleston, South Carolina's Towell Library opened in 1856. A bullet pierced the roof of Towell Library during the Civil War, causing those on the inside to be at risk. Until the early 1970s, the historic building served as the official library of the College of Charleston.
Conclusion
These are the few oldest libraries in the U.S. that you should know. A few of them include Redwood Library, Darby Free Library, Boston Central Library, Library of Congress, State Library of Iowa, Towell Library, and Scoville Memorial Library. Each library has its specialty and special attractions. Many older structures can still be viewed in the above list and a variety of some of the oldest libraries in America.
These are the few oldest libraries in the U.S. that you should know. A few of them include Redwood Library, Darby Free Library, Boston Central Library, Library of Congress, State Library of Iowa, Towell Library, and Scoville Memorial Library. Each library has its specialty and special attractions. Many older structures can still be viewed in the above list and a variety of some of the oldest libraries in America.