Lenox Library (Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lenox Library
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Lenox Library
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 18 Main St., Lenox, Massachusetts |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1815 |
| Architect | Damon, Capt. Isaac |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000291 |
| Added to NRHP | April 3, 1973 |
The Lenox Library is the main public library in Lenox, Massachusetts. A non-profit group called the Lenox Library Association runs it. This group started in 1856. The library is located at 18 Main Street. It is in an old county courthouse building. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a very important historic site.
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About the Lenox Library
The Lenox Library is a special place for the community. It offers books, computers, and a quiet place to read. The library is managed by the Lenox Library Association. This is a non-profit organization. They work hard to provide great services to everyone.
A Look Back: Library History
The Lenox Library Association began in 1856. In 1874, the library moved into its current home. This building used to be the Berkshire County courthouse. It was built way back in 1815-1816.
In 1973, the library building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes important historical places. The Lenox Library is one of nine such spots in Lenox. A famous writer named Edith Wharton worked at the library in the early 1900s. She even met someone there who helped inspire her novel Ethan Frome.
The Lenox Library is part of a group of libraries called C/W MARS. This group lets you borrow books from other libraries across Massachusetts. The library also works with the Massachusetts Library System. This system helps libraries share ideas and resources.
The Historic Library Building
The Lenox Library building stands out in downtown Lenox. It is on Main Street. The building is made of brick with stone and wood details. It has tall, grand pillars at the front. These pillars make the building look very important. The main entrance is in the middle. It has a special arched window above it.
The building's main part was built in 1815-16. It was designed by Isaac Damon. For many years, it served as the Berkshire County Courthouse. In 1869, the courthouse moved to Pittsfield. The library moved in during 1874. For a while, other offices were also in the building. These included lawyers and politicians. The town's first telephone exchange was also there!
A larger part was added to the back in 1889. This part is called Sedgwick Hall. It was a popular spot for social events. People would go there for lectures and concerts.
Special Collections at the Library
The Lenox Library has many unique collections. These collections often have a special connection to Lenox. They are kept in different areas within the library.
The Tanglewood Papers
One special collection is the Tanglewood Papers. These are old documents about the history of music festivals in the area. They tell the story of how Tanglewood started. Tanglewood is a famous music venue. The papers include details about building "The Shed." This is Tanglewood's main music pavilion.
The Tanglewood Papers came from Gertrude Robinson Smith. She was a well-known summer resident. Her hard work helped raise money to build "The Shed." This collection is kept in the Keator Vault. The Keator Vault is a special, temperature-controlled room. It protects rare and historic items. It also holds unique photographs.
Some items from this collection have been put online. You can find them on the Digital Commonwealth Collection. You can also find them on the Digital Library of America. Students from the Boston University Tanglewood Institute often use these papers. People going to concerts also use them to learn about the music.
Edwin Hale Lincoln Photography
Another amazing collection is the Edwin Hale Lincoln Photography Collection. This collection is also in the Keator Vault. It has 745 original glass plate and film negatives. These are old photos of the big estates in Berkshire. It also has a full set of study prints. The library also has a rare set of "Wild Flowers of New England."
Edwin Hale Lincoln was from Massachusetts. He started his photography business in the late 1800s. He took pictures of many things. These included yachts in Rhode Island. He also photographed estates in Lenox. And he captured beautiful images of New England's native flowers and plants.
Elizabeth MacKinstry Collection
The Elizabeth MacKinstry Collection is in the Legacy Room. This collection has illustrated children’s books. These books are from the 1700s, 1800s, and early 1900s. Many are from Britain or Europe.
Elizabeth MacKinstry (1879-1956) was a children's author and illustrator. This collection includes books she wrote and illustrated. It also has books by her favorite authors. These include Randolph Caldecott, Walter Crane, and Claud Lovat Fraser. The Legacy Room is a lovely space. It has French doors and windows. It also holds the Berkshire Author Collection. This room is used for reading or small meetings.
Fun Things Near the Library
Right next to the Lenox Library is a park. It's called Roche Reading Park. It's named after William D. Roche. He was the library's treasurer for a long time. This park hosts fun events. These include the Annual Rhubarb Festival. They also have concerts by Terry a la Berry. In the summer, the Lenox Farmers Market is usually held near the park. This happens from late May through September.
Other Library Services
The Lenox Library offers many services for visitors. They have public computers with internet access. There is a special children's reading room. There is also a larger reading room called the Sedgwick Reading Room. The library also has a multi-purpose art gallery. It is called the Welles Gallery. These spaces are for everyone to enjoy.
See also
In Spanish: Biblioteca Lenox (Massachusetts) para niños
