Handley Library facts for kids
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Handley Library
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Handley Library, September 2011
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 100 West Piccadilly Street Winchester, Virginia |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1913 |
| Architect | John Stewart Barney Henry Otis Chapman |
| Architectural style | Beaux Arts |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000364 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 12, 1969 |
Handley Library is a beautiful and historic library building in Winchester, Virginia, United States. It was finished in 1913. A rich businessman from Pennsylvania paid for its construction. This library is the main branch for the Handley Regional Library System in Winchester. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the Virginia Landmarks Register (VLR) in 1969.
Contents
History of Handley Library
How the Library Started
The Handley Library was made possible by Judge John Handley. He was a lawyer and a very successful businessman from Scranton, Pennsylvania. He made his money in the coal industry. Judge Handley visited Winchester many times. He really liked the city's history and its people.
When he passed away in 1895, Judge Handley left a large sum of money. He left $250,000 for Winchester to build a library. He wanted it to be "for the free use of the people of the city of Winchester." He also wanted schools for children who were not wealthy.
Building the Library
Building the library did not start right away. Construction began in 1908. The library was designed by New York architects Barney and Chapman. A big parade was held for the cornerstone ceremony on May 26. The building was made to be fireproof. It also had very modern features for its time.
The library cost about $233,230 to build and furnish. It officially opened on August 21, 1913. When it first opened, the library had a large lecture hall. This hall could seat 300 people. It also had special rooms for studying and meetings. C. Vernon Eddy was the first librarian. He worked there until 1960.
Changes Over Time
At first, only white people were allowed to use the library. But in December 1953, city officials made an important change. They decided that all residents could use the library. This meant everyone, no matter their race, was welcome.
The library was recognized as a historic place in 1969. It was listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register on September 9. Then, on November 12, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It is also part of the Winchester Historic District.
The library has been updated over the years. An addition was completed in 1979. This new part was designed by Smithey and Boynton. Their work won an award from the American Institute of Architects. In 1999, the library went through a big restoration. This project helped bring the building back to its original beauty. It also won an award for outstanding restoration in 2001.
Architecture and Design
A Unique Design
The Handley Library is known for its beautiful design. It is a great example of Beaux-Arts architecture. This style is known for being grand and decorative. People say the library looks like an open book. The large dome in the center represents the book's spine. The two side sections look like the book's covers.
Building Features
The library is made of limestone. It has an octagonal base, which means it has eight sides. The main entrance has three arches. These arches face the intersection of Braddock and Piccadilly Streets.
On each side of the dome, there are two wings. These wings have sloped roofs with special windows called dormer lights. They also have decorative railings called balustrades. You can see rows of Ionic colonnades, which are columns with a specific style. Heavy stone carvings of figures and fruit decorate the areas around some windows and doors.
