Arthur L. Mann Memorial Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Arthur L. Mann Memorial Library
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Main St., West Paris, Maine |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1926 |
| Architect | Gibbs & Pulsifer |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals |
| MPS | Maine Public Libraries MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 88003016 |
| Added to NRHP | January 5, 1989 |
Welcome to the Arthur L. Mann Memorial Library in West Paris, Maine! This special building is the public library for the town. It looks a bit like a small castle, right in the middle of Main Street. A famous company called Gibbs & Pulsifer from Lewiston designed it.
The library was built in 1926. A man named Lewis Mann gave it as a gift to honor his son, Arthur. Because it's so important, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. This means it's recognized as a historically significant place.
Contents
Discovering the Library's Design
The Arthur L. Mann Memorial Library is made from fieldstone. It looks like it's split into three main parts. The most noticeable part is a tower that sticks out. This tower has a cool, castle-like top called "crenellations."
Unique Features of the Building
The tower has three thin windows on its front. They are placed at different heights, which makes them look interesting. To the right of the tower, you'll find the main entrance. It's an arched doorway, also topped with crenellations.
Next to the entrance, there's another narrow window and a strong support structure called a buttress. On the far right side of the building, there's a shorter section. It also has crenellations on top and a big window with many small panes.
Inside the Library
When you go inside, the library has a classic layout. There's a main desk where you can check out books. To the right, you'll find a cozy reading room. The left side is where all the book stacks are kept. The tower itself has a sitting area, perfect for relaxing with a book.
The Library's Journey Through Time
The idea for a library in West Paris started a long time ago. In 1889, a private library was created. People paid a small fee to borrow books. This was a common way for small towns in Maine to have libraries back then.
Becoming a Free Public Library
In 1925, the town started giving money to this library group. This meant the library could become free for everyone to use. Before the current building, the library moved around to different places.
A Special Gift to the Town
Lewis Mann, who lived in West Paris for many years, left land and money for a new library building. His son, Edwin, also added money to the project. The new building was finished in 1926.
The firm of Gibbs & Pulsifer designed several libraries in Maine. Besides the Arthur L. Mann Memorial Library, they also designed the public libraries in Lewiston and Dover-Foxcroft. They were very good at creating beautiful and useful library spaces.
