Central Library (Somerville, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Central Library
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 79 Highland Avenue, Somerville, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1914 |
| Architect | Edward Lippincott Tilton |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals |
| MPS | Somerville MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 89001274 |
| Added to NRHP | September 18, 1989 |
The Central Library is the main public library in Somerville, Massachusetts. It's a beautiful old building with a special design called Renaissance Revival. Famous architect Edward Lippincott Tilton designed it. The library was built in 1914 with help from a very generous person named Andrew Carnegie. Because of its historical importance, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
Contents
What Can You Do at the Central Library?
Discover Books, Music, and Movies
The Central Library is part of the Minuteman Library Network. This means you can borrow books, CDs, and movies from many libraries! You can also find lots of information online. The library offers access to special databases from home or inside the building. These online tools are great for school projects or just learning new things.
Programs and Community Space
The library has many fun and helpful programs. There are activities for kids, teens, and adults. They also offer special programs for new people moving to the city. If you need a place for a meeting, the library has a conference room. It's a great spot for community groups to gather.
History and Design of the Building
Where is the Library Located?
Somerville's Central Library stands on Central Hill. This area is home to several important city buildings. You'll find the city's high school and City Hall nearby. The library is at the corner of Highland Avenue and Walnut Street. This spot used to be where the city's first fire station stood.
Who Designed the Building?
The library was designed by Edward Lippincott Tilton. He was a well-known architect who specialized in library buildings. The Central Library was finished in 1914. It is a two-story building made of yellow brick. The roof is a special shape called a truncated hip roof. It is covered with green tiles, which look very nice.
Special Design Features
The library has nine large, round-arched windows on its second floor. The building is decorated with limestone and terra cotta panels. Terra cotta is a type of baked clay. The main entrance has a porch with columns. This porch is topped with a fancy terra cotta shield. It adds a grand touch to the entrance.
How the Library Was Funded
Before this building, Somerville had another library. It was a different style and was located near City Hall. The current Central Library was built with a grant from Andrew Carnegie. He was a very wealthy businessman who gave money to build libraries all over the world. He believed that everyone should have access to books and learning.
Gallery
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Main entrance
