Jay-Niles Memorial Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Jay-Niles Memorial Library
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Maine State Route 4, North Jay, Maine |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1916 |
| Architect | Prescott and Sidebottom, Architects |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 87000414 |
| Added to NRHP | March 13, 1987 |
The Jay-Niles Memorial Library is a special public library found in Jay, Maine. You can find it on Maine State Route 4. This beautiful building was constructed between 1916 and 1918. It was built to honor Veranus and Mehitable Niles, along with the brave soldiers from Jay who fought in the American Civil War. Because of its unique design and history, the library building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
Discover the Jay-Niles Library
The Jay-Niles Library is a two-story building made of brick. It sits on a small hill overlooking Maine State Route 4 in North Jay. The building has a rectangular shape. It also has parts that stick out on the west and north sides, where you can find the entrances.
Building's Design and Features
The main front of the library faces west. It has three sections. The middle section sticks out a bit. On the first floor, you'll see large, round-arch windows. Above them, on the second floor, are groups of three windows.
The entrance area has a double door. Above the doors, there's a special fan-shaped window. Brick pillars stand on either side of the entrance. You can also see brick corners that look like blocks. A wide band separates the first and second floors. The library's name is carved into this band. The middle section above the entrance also has three windows. A decorative edge runs along the top of the building. Above this edge, there's a low wall. The entrance area has a crown-like shape on its low wall.
A Look at Its History
People in North Jay had a library way back in the 1850s. This was a "subscription library," meaning you paid to use it. We don't know how long that first library lasted.
The current library building exists thanks to two brothers, Louville and S. H. Niles. They wanted to remember their parents, Veranus and Mehitable Niles. Their parents had lived in Jay for a very long time and passed away in 1893.
The library was built from 1916 to 1918. It was designed by architects Prescott and Sidebottom. It serves as a memorial not only to the Niles family but also to the soldiers from Jay who fought in the American Civil War. The library was busy until the 1970s when it closed for a while. But don't worry, it reopened in 1980 with support from the town!
