Goodrich Memorial Library facts for kids
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Goodrich Memorial Library
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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| Location | 202 Main St., Newport, Vermont  United States |
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| Built | 1899 |
| Architect | William Storey |
| Architectural style | Romanesque, Queen Anne |
| Part of | Newport Downtown Historic District (ID06000898) |
| NRHP reference No. | 83004228 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 23, 1983 |
| Designated CP | September 28, 2006 |
The Goodrich Memorial Library is a special place in Newport, Vermont. It is a public library where everyone can go to read books and learn new things. This library is the biggest and one of only two full-time libraries in Orleans County. You can find it at 202 Main Street in downtown Newport. The building itself is very old and beautiful, built in 1899 in a style called Romanesque.
Contents
History of the Goodrich Library
How the Library Started
The Goodrich Memorial Library was made possible by a kind couple, Converse Goodhue Goodrich and his wife, Almira. They gave money to build a free library for everyone in the community. The land for the library cost $6,000, and the building itself cost $20,000.
Construction of the library began in 1898. It was officially opened on September 1, 1899. A talented architect named William Storey designed the building.
Challenges and Support
For many years, the library was funded by special investments. However, during a difficult time in 1933, these investments lost their value. This meant the library needed help from the public to keep its doors open. The community stepped in to support their beloved library.
When it first opened, the Goodrich Memorial Library had 6,500 books for people to read.
Historic Recognition
Because of its importance and beautiful design, the Goodrich Memorial Library was added to the National Register of Historic Places in November 1983. This means it is recognized as a special historic building in the United States.
Inside the Library
The library has many interesting features inside. You can see fireplaces made of colorful brick. The rooms are decorated with different types of wood, like red birch, Georgia pine, cypress, and local spruce. There's even red marble from Swanton. The furniture is made of strong oak wood.
Upstairs Discoveries
Upstairs, there is an art room that looks like it's from an older time. This room displays several old paintings. There is also a long hall used for meetings and a quiet reading room. You can find a display case filled with old postcards and items that show the history of Newport.
Natural History Collection
One of the most unique parts of the library is a wall of glass cases that reach from the floor to the ceiling. These cases hold a collection of stuffed animals and other natural wonders. You might see an alligator that was found in Florida in the early 1900s, a large ostrich egg, and even a flying squirrel from Vermont. These items were preserved a long time ago using a special method. Because of this, only trained experts can handle and care for them today.
See also
