Calais Free Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Calais Free Library |
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| Country | United States |
| Type | Public |
| Established | 1892 |
| Location | 9 Union Street, Calais, Maine |
| Collection | |
| Size | 100,000 items |
| Access and use | |
| Circulation | 33,000 |
| Population served | 3,123 |
| Other information | |
| Budget | $156,155 |
| Director | Kathleen Staples |
| Staff | 4 |
| Website | [1] |
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Calais Free Library
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1892 |
| Architect | Arthur H. Vinal |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| MPS | Maine Public Libraries MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 01000370 |
| Added to NRHP | April 12, 2001 |
The Calais Free Library is a public library located in Calais, Maine, United States. It sits at 9 Union Street, near the city's main business area. This special building was designed by Arthur H. Vinal. It was finished in 1893 and had a big addition built in 1984-85.
The library is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical building. It also has an art gallery inside for visitors to enjoy.
The Library's Cool Building
The Calais Free Library is found at the east end of Union Street. It sits between the street and the St. Croix River. The building is made of brick with nice brownstone details. It has a sloped roof.
The front of the building has a tall, pointed section. It also has a round bay window on the left. The main entrance is set back under a large, round archway. On the left side, there are many round-arch windows. In the middle of the roof, there's an eight-sided tower. This tower has open sides and a pointed roof.
A newer part of the building is behind the original structure. It's built on a lower level because the ground slopes. A small hallway connects the new part to the old building's basement. The design of the new part looks similar to the old one.
A Look Back at the Library's History
Library services in Calais started a long time ago. In the 1830s, people paid to use a private library. Sadly, a fire in 1870 badly damaged its collection.
The idea for the Calais Free Library came from James Shepherd Pike. He was an important person in the city. When he passed away in the early 1880s, he left his house to the city. He wanted it to be used as a library.
Because of the earlier fire, the new library's leaders decided to build a new stone building. They sold Pike's house and had it moved away. Boston architect Arthur H. Vinal was chosen for the job in 1892. The new library opened its doors in 1893. This building is one of only three designs by Vinal still standing in Maine.
Later, in 1984-85, a new section was added. This addition was designed by WBRC Architects/Engineers from Bangor.
