Akin Free Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Akin Free Library
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Library building in March 2007
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 378 Old Quaker Hill Rd., Pawling, New York 12564 |
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| Area | 1.7 acres (0.69 ha) |
| Built | 1908 |
| Architect | John A. Wood |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 91001726 |
| Added to NRHP | November 21, 1991 |
The Akin Free Library is a historic stone building on Quaker Hill in Pawling, New York. It has a unique design from the late Victorian period. This special building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
The library was a gift from Albert J. Akin (1803–1903). He was a Quaker who started the Bank of Pawling and the Mizzentop Hotel. The building was designed by architect John A. Wood. It was built between 1898 and 1908. It is a two-and-a-half-story stone building. It has a "T" shape and a tall, three-story clock tower in the middle. There is also an annex at the back.
The building has a grand entrance area called a portico. It also features a copper roof with a special edge called a cornice. Its design mixes different styles from the Victorian era.
The library itself is on the first floor. It has thousands of books. These include books about local history and books by authors from the area. There is also a special section just for kids. You can also find old newspaper collections here.
Museums to Explore
The Akin Free Library building is home to two interesting museums. They offer a look into the past and the natural world.
Historical Society Museum
The Historical Society Museum is located on the second floor of the building. This museum shows what life was like in the local area long ago. Its collections include:
- Old clothing, including Quaker outfits
- Tools used in the past
- Artwork from the area
- Bowling pins from the old Mizzentop Hotel
- The service window from the original Quaker Hill Post Office
Olive Gunnison Natural History Museum
The Olive Gunnison Natural History Museum is on the lower floor of the building. This museum is all about nature. It displays many different items, such as:
- About 200 mounted birds
- Various rocks and minerals
- A shrunken human head (this is a historical artifact, not a real person's head)
See also
In Spanish: Biblioteca Akin Free para niños
