Cotton Free Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Cotton Free Library
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Vermont
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Quaker Village Rd., Weybridge, Vermont |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1913 |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 96000388 |
| Added to NRHP | April 4, 1996 |
The Cotton Free Library is a public library located in Weybridge, Vermont. It's housed in a unique building that was built in 1913. Joshua Franklin Cotton generously donated the money for its construction. This special building was recognized for its importance and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. It serves as a wonderful place for the community to read and learn.
Exploring the Library's Design
The Cotton Free Library is found in the old village center of Weybridge. It's right next to the Weybridge Town Hall. The library is a small, square building. It's made from concrete blocks that look like rough stone. A sloped roof covers the top.
The front of the building looks balanced and neat. The main entrance is in the middle. It has a small porch with a pointed roof. This porch is held up by two simple, round columns. Above the entrance, in the pointed roof, there's a small round window.
Inside, you can still see some of the original features. The ceiling is made of pressed tin, which looks decorative. There's also a metal arm that used to hold an oil lamp. A fancy chandelier with eight glass globes hangs from the ceiling. It was first lit by kerosene, but later changed to electricity. The back wall has a fireplace. Its mantelpiece is decorated with cool, artistic tiles.
How the Library Began
The library was started in 1897 by the town of Weybridge. This happened after Joshua Franklin Cotton, a local person, left money for it in his will. At first, the library was in the basement of the town hall.
As the library's collection of books grew, people decided it needed its own building. The land for the new library was bought in 1913. Construction happened between 1914 and 1916. The library officially opened its doors in late 1916. This building is one of the few in Vermont made with this specific type of concrete block. Electricity was added to the building in 1922.
