Concord Free Public Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Concord Free Public Library |
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Interior of the library, 1873
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Location | Concord, Massachusetts |
| Address | 129 Main St., Concord, Mass. 01742 |
| Coordinates | 42°27′29″N 71°21′11″W / 42.458°N 71.353°W |
| Completed | 1873 |
| Renovated | 1889, 1917, Early 1930s, 1938, 1968, 1986 to 1990, 2003 to 2005 |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 3 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architecture firm | Snell and Gregerson |
The Concord Free Public Library is a public library located in the town of Concord, Massachusetts. The main library building is found at 129 Main Street. There is also a second location, the Fowler branch, at 1322 Main Street in West Concord.
History of the Library
The Concord Free Public Library was started by William Munroe. He was born in Concord and was the son of a famous pencil maker. William Munroe worked with other important people in Concord. Together, they formed a group called the Board of Trustees. This group helped to provide money for the library.
Building plans for the library were created by a company from Boston called Snell and Gregerson. The land for the library was bought in 1869. Construction of the building began in 1872. The library officially opened its doors on October 1, 1873.
The Mark Twain Book Decision
In March 1885, the Concord Free Library made a big decision. It was the first place to remove Mark Twain's book, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, from its shelves. Several newspapers in New England praised the library's choice. These included the Daily Advertiser in Boston and the Daily Republican in Springfield, Massachusetts. The Freeman newspaper in Concord also agreed with the library.
However, many people disagreed with the library's decision. Some even made fun of it. As many people at the time, including Mark Twain himself, pointed out, this decision actually made the book more famous. It also helped the book sell more copies.
The Fowler Branch
The Fowler branch is another part of the Concord Free Public Library. It was designed by an architect named Harry Little. This branch officially opened on May 18, 1930.
See also
In Spanish: Biblioteca Pública Gratuita de Concord para niños
