Abbie Greenleaf Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Abbie Greenleaf Library
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | 439 Main St., Franconia, New Hampshire |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1912 |
| Architect | McLean, William H. |
| Architectural style | Late 19th and 20th Century Revivals |
| NRHP reference No. | 03000526 |
| Added to NRHP | June 13, 2003 |
The Abbie Greenleaf Library is a public library located in Franconia, New Hampshire. You can find it at 439 Main Street, right in the heart of the main village. This special building was designed by William H. McLean and built in 1912.
The library building was a wonderful gift to the town from Charles Greenleaf. He named it after his wife, Abbie Greenleaf. Charles Greenleaf owned the Profile House, which was a very important resort hotel in Franconia. In 1971, the library got an addition designed by Carter and Woodruff from Nashua. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, which means it's recognized as an important historical place.
About the Building
The Abbie Greenleaf Library is on the north side of Franconia's Main Street. It is just a short walk east of the town hall. The building is made of yellow brick with gray sandstone details.
It has a red ceramic tile roof. You might notice two small, curved windows called "eyebrow dormers" on the roof. There are also chimneys on each end of the building. The main entrance sticks out a bit from the front. The door is set back in an opening with a low, gabled roof above it. Small windows are on either side of the entrance. Inside, the library has beautiful mahogany wood, marble walls, and shiny terrazzo tile floors.
History of the Library
This building was the very first library built specifically for the community. Before this, the town's library started in 1880. It was a "social lending library" where people paid a small fee to borrow books. This library was created by people who spent their summers in Franconia.
The collection of books grew over time. It eventually became the free public library for the town. At first, the library was located in the town's general store. Later, it moved to the local school as more and more books were added.
The current library building was built in 1912. Charles Greenleaf, who owned the Profile Hotel, paid for its construction. He also left money in his will to help take care of the building. This money was given to the town after he passed away in 1924.
