Nichols Memorial Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Nichols Memorial Library
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 Nichols Memorial Library
Location in New Hampshire
Nichols Memorial Library
Location in the United States
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| Location | Main St., Kingston, New Hampshire |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1898 |
| Architect | Dwight & Chandler |
| Architectural style | Romanesque, Richardsonian Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 81000076 |
| Added to NRHP | January 28, 1981 |
The Nichols Memorial Library is a really old and special building in Kingston, New Hampshire. It was built way back in 1898. This building is unique in New Hampshire because it shows off two cool architectural styles: Shingle style and Richardsonian Romanesque.
For many years, it was the town's main library. Since 2012, it has been used for special research and to keep important town records. In 1981, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's recognized as an important historical site.
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About the Library Building
The Nichols Memorial Library building is in the middle of Kingston village. You can find it where Main Street and Depot Street meet. It's a single-story building made of stone. It has a unique shape and a red slate roof that slopes down on all sides (called a hip roof). There's also a chimney made of fieldstone, which is natural stone found in fields.
Cool Architectural Style
A round part sticks out from the front of the building, near the main door. The entrance itself is covered by a small, curved roof called an eyebrow-gabled portico. The windows are mostly square or rectangular and come in different sizes. The biggest windows have beautiful stained glass panels above them. These panels show symbols used by early bookmakers, which are like old-fashioned logos!
Who Built This Special Place?
The building was designed by architects Dwight and Chandler from Boston. It was finished in 1898. A kind person named J. Howard Nichols gave this building to the town as a gift. He grew up in Kingston and later became a successful businessman and helper of good causes in Boston.
What It's Used for Now
The Nichols Memorial Library was the town's main library until 2012. That's when the library moved to a new building. Now, this historic building is used as a research library. It's a great place for people who are interested in genealogy, which is the study of family history. It also holds the town's important historical records and collections from the Kingston Historical Museum.
