Alice M. Ward Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Jacobs Stand
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The library in 2016
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 Location in Vermont
Location in the United States
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| Location | 27 Park St., Canaan, Vermont |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1846 |
| Architectural style | Neo-Palladian Style |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000332 |
| Added to NRHP | June 3, 1980 |
The Alice M. Ward Library is the public library for Canaan, Vermont. Canaan is a town in Essex County, Vermont. The library is located at 27 Park Street. It is in an old building that used to be a stagecoach inn. This inn was historically called Jacobs Stand. It was built in 1846. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This means it is an important historic place.
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A Historic Building: The Alice M. Ward Library
This building was built in 1846 by Fernando C. Jacobs. It was an inn, also called a 'stand'. An inn was a place where travelers could stay. This inn was the northernmost stop on the stagecoach route to Montreal, Quebec, Canada. A stagecoach was a large, horse-drawn carriage.
Some local stories say the building was part of the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom. People thought it was the last stop in the United States on the Connecticut River route. However, there is no real proof to support this story.
In 1888, a doctor named Artemas Ward bought the building. After his wife Alice died in 1930, the building was given to the town of Canaan. It became the public library. The building is special because of its unique design. It has a Neo-Palladian temple-like style.
What Does the Library Look Like?
The library is on the west side of the town common in Canaan village. It's a 1-1/2 story building made of wood. It has a gabled roof and a clapboard exterior. The front of the building faces the street. It has a porch with round columns. Above the porch, there's a rounded area on the second floor. This gives the front a special look.
The main entrance has windows on each side. It also has decorative columns and a fancy top. Inside, the building still has old-style woodwork. There is a very nice central staircase.
What Can You Do at the Library?
The Alice M. Ward Library serves about 1078 people. It has a staff of two people. Even though it's in Canaan, anyone can get a free library card. This includes visitors and people from nearby towns. The Canaan Historical Society uses the top floor of the library. They have historical displays and hold public events there.
Technology and Fun Items
The library offers free 24-hour wireless internet access. There are also four computers for public use. The library does not block any internet content.
You can borrow some unusual items from the library! They have snowshoes, a typewriter, cameras, and craft items. They even have Dremel tools. Other electronics are available to use inside the library. These include a Sphero (a robotic ball) and Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 tablets. You can also try out an Oculus Rift virtual reality headset.
In 2016, the library was reported to meet all state standards. In 2018, the library started a special project. They began collecting oral history stories. They focused on stories about the Ethan Allen factory in Beecher Falls.
Educational Programs for All Ages
The Alice Ward Library offers many educational programs. These programs are for different ages and happen all year.
STEM Activities
The library has many opportunities focused on STEM. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. They have a technology club that meets regularly. The library also has a FIRST Lego League team. This team builds and programs robots with LEGOs. They also have a First Tech Challenge team. This team builds larger robots to compete in challenges.
