Baker-Berry Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Baker-Berry Library |
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| Fisher Ames Baker Memorial Library | |
| Country | United States |
| Type | Academic library |
| Established | 1928 |
| Location | 25 North Main Street Dartmouth College Hanover, NH 03755-3564 |
| Website | [1] |
| Phone number | (603) 646-1110 |
The Baker-Berry Library is the main library at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. It's a really important building on campus! Inside, you can find an amazing giant painting called a fresco (a painting done on wet plaster). This fresco, named The Epic of American Civilization, was created by José Clemente Orozco. It's so special that it's considered a National Historic Landmark, which means it's a very important historical place. The library also has a tall tower, 200 feet high, that looks a lot like Independence Hall in Philadelphia. This tower is a famous symbol of Dartmouth College.
Contents
History of the Library
The Baker-Berry Library is actually made up of two main parts. Let's learn about how it grew over the years.
The Baker Memorial Library
The first part of the library was called the Fisher Ames Baker Memorial Library. It opened its doors in 1928. When it first opened, it had a huge collection of 240,000 books!
The building was designed by an architect named Jens Fredrick Larson. He made it look like Independence Hall in Philadelphia. A generous person named George Fisher Baker gave money to build it. He wanted to honor his uncle, Fisher Ames Baker, who had gone to Dartmouth College.
The library grew bigger over time. More sections were added in 1941 and again from 1957 to 1958. By 1970, the library had collected its one millionth book!
The Berry Library Addition
In 1992, a new part of the library was planned. John Berry and the Baker family gave a large donation of $30 million to build it. This new section, called the Berry Library, was designed by architect Robert Venturi. It was built right next to the original Baker Library.
The new Baker-Berry Library complex officially opened in 2000 and was fully finished in 2002. Today, the Dartmouth College libraries hold more than 2 million books and other items in their collections.
The Orozco Murals
One of the most famous things inside the Baker-Berry Library is a series of large paintings called The Epic of American Civilization. These paintings are also known as the Orozco Murals.
Who Painted Them?
These amazing murals were painted by a famous artist named José Clemente Orozco. He was from Mexico and created these artworks between 1932 and 1934.
What Are They About?
The murals tell a story about the history of North and South America. They show different parts of civilization, from ancient times to modern life. They are very detailed and thought-provoking.
A National Treasure
Because these murals are so important and beautiful, they have been named a National Historic Landmark. This means they are protected and recognized as a very special part of American history and art. You can find them in the lower level of the library.
Images for kids
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A section of the Dartmouth mural (1932–1934) by José Clemente Orozco
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Departure of Quetzalcoatl, another part of the Dartmouth mural by José Clemente Orozco
