Lewiston Public Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lewiston Public Library |
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| Country | United States |
| Type | Public |
| Established | 1902 |
| Location | Lewiston, Maine |
| Collection | |
| Size | 165,000 |
| Access and use | |
| Circulation | 200,000 |
| Population served | 36,592 |
| Other information | |
| Budget | $1,284,718 |
| Director | Marcela Peres |
| Staff | 32 |
| Website | http://lplonline.org/ |
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Lewiston Public Library
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| Location | Park and Pine Sts., Lewiston, Maine |
| Built | 1902 |
| Architect | Coombs & Gibbs, Greenleaf & Doring |
| NRHP reference No. | 78000157 |
| Added to NRHP | January 31, 1978 |
The Lewiston Public Library is a special building in Lewiston, Maine. It's not just a place to find books; it's also a historic site that has served the community for many years. This public library helps people of all ages learn and explore new ideas.
A Gift from Andrew Carnegie
The current library building has a fascinating history. In 1902, a famous businessman named Andrew Carnegie gave $60,000 to Lewiston. This money was a gift to help build a brand-new granite library. Carnegie often helped communities build libraries, but he had one rule: the city had to promise to pay for staff, books, and other materials.
The granite used for the building came from North Jay and Norridgewock, both in Maine. The front entrance, called the vestibule, was designed to look like ancient Greek buildings. It features tall columns, each about 18 feet high. Inside, you can still see beautiful woodwork made from fine oak, especially on the fireplace mantels and pillars.
Before this building, Lewiston had another library. It was called the Manufacturers and Mechanics Library. This older library started on January 26, 1861. However, it was destroyed when the first Lewiston City Hall burned down in 1890. Today, the Lewiston Public Library still has some books with the old Manufacturers and Mechanics library stamps.
Building Design and Style
The library building was finished in 1902. It was designed by architects Coombs & Gibbs. The building's style is called Colonial Revival. This style often uses elements from early American architecture. Because of its historical importance, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This means it's recognized as a special place worth preserving.
Growing and Changing
Over the years, the library has grown and changed to meet the community's needs. In 1996, the building had a big renovation. During this time, the main entrance was moved to a different street.
In 2005, a new part of the library opened. It's called the Marsden Hartley Cultural Center. This center is named after Marsden Hartley, a famous artist and poet who was born in Lewiston. The center helps the library offer more programs and activities for everyone.
