Jesup Memorial Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Jesup Memorial Library
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Postcard view, c. 1912
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | 34 Mt. Desert St., Bar Harbor, Maine |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1911 |
| Architect | Delano and Aldrich |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| MPS | Maine Public Libraries MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 91000323 |
| Added to NRHP | April 1, 1991 |
The Jesup Memorial Library is a public library in Bar Harbor, Maine. It's a special building with a unique style called Colonial Revival. You can find it at 34 Mount Desert Street in the main part of town. The library was built between 1910 and 1911. Mrs. Morris K. Jesup gave the building to the community. She did this to honor her late husband. Both of them spent many summers in Bar Harbor. Because of its beautiful design, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
Contents
Library Building Design
The Jesup Library is on the south side of Mount Desert Street. This street is also known as Maine State Route 3. The library is about one block west of Bar Harbor's village green. It is a one-story building made of brick. The roof is made of slate and slopes down on all sides.
Front of the Building
The front of the library has five sections. The main entrance is in the middle. It is set back inside a grand arch made of limestone. Two tall, flat columns stand on each side of the arch. Above the doorway, there is a round decoration showing an open book. The windows on either side of the entrance have a special design. They are topped with rounded limestone panels. These panels have a small round shape in the center.
Roof and Sides
The roof has a decorative edge with small blocks called modillions. Two chimneys rise from inside the building. The windows on the sides of the library look similar to those on the front. A section extends from the back of the building. This gives the library a "T" shape when you look at it from above.
History of the Library
Bar Harbor's first library started in 1875. It was created by people who spent their summers there. At first, it was very small. Books were kept in people's homes. A small library building was built in 1877.
Growing Collection and New Building
By the early 1900s, the library had grown a lot. It had more than 8,000 books. Mrs. Morris K. Jesup decided to fund a new building. She was a long-time summer resident of Bar Harbor. She gave $70,000 to build this library. She also gave $50,000 to help pay for its upkeep.
Architects and Construction
The famous architecture firm Delano and Aldrich designed the building. They were based in New York City. Construction of the library took place from 1910 to 1911.
Images for kids
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The library's interior, pictured in 2015
