Gale Memorial Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Gale Memorial Library
|
|
 |
|
 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 695 Main St., Laconia, New Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Area | 1.8 acres (0.73 ha) |
| Built | 1901 |
| Architect | Brigham, Charles |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 85002185 |
| Added to NRHP | September 12, 1985 |
The Gale Memorial Library is the main public library in Laconia, New Hampshire. You can find it at 695 Main Street. This special building was constructed between 1901 and 1903. A local banker named Napoleon Bonaparte Gale left money in his will to pay for it.
The library building was designed by Boston architect Charles Brigham. It is built in a style called Richardsonian Romanesque. Because of its unique history and design, the library is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical site.
Contents
About the Library Building
The Gale Memorial Library stands on the north side of downtown Laconia. It has a large, nicely landscaped area around it. The original building has a cross-like shape and two stories. It is made from red granite from New Brunswick and has white granite details from Maine.
Cool Architectural Features
The library has a tall, sloped roof. At the back, there's a rounded section called an apse. The front of the building, which faces Main Street, has a square tower on the right side. This tower has a round part sticking out, like a small turret. Both the tower and the turret have their own unique roofs.
The main entrance is right next to the tower. It's covered by an arched shelter, which looks very grand. To the left of the entrance, there's another section that sticks out. It has a bowed (curved) front on the first floor with a low wall on top.
History of the Library
Laconia's public library first started in 1878. It opened its doors in 1879 in a rented space downtown. The library moved a few times before finding its permanent home in this beautiful building in 1903.
How the Library Was Built
The library was built thanks to a generous gift from Napoleon Bonaparte Gale. In his will, he left $25,000 for public projects in the city. Of that, $10,000 was specifically for the library. He also made sure that more money from his estate could be used if needed. In the end, about $60,000 was spent on the library building and its grounds.
The architect, Charles Brigham, created one of the most impressive Romanesque buildings in New Hampshire. In 1957, an addition was built to the library. This new part included:
- A children's room
- An auditorium
- A workroom
This addition was designed by Prescott & Erickson. It was built with brick and has a simpler style. It was placed carefully so that it wouldn't hide the beautiful original building.
