Peabody Institute (Danvers, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Peabody Institute
|
|
Front facade of the library
|
|
| Location | Danvers, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Area | 4.38 acres (1.77 ha) |
| Built | 1891 |
| Architect | Little & Browne; Silvester, Joshua |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 97001559 |
| Added to NRHP | December 22, 1997 |
The Peabody Institute is a public library in Danvers, Massachusetts. It first opened in 1854. The building you see today was built in 1891. It was designed by architects Little & Browne. This historic building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. This means it's an important place worth protecting.
Contents
A Look at the Library's History
The library was started with a generous gift. A kind person named George Peabody donated $50,000. He was born in Danvers. He wanted to help build a library for his hometown. He had also helped build another Peabody Institute in a nearby town.
The First Building and a Fire
The very first library building was finished in 1869. It was designed by Gridley James Fox Bryant. This building had a style called Gothic Revival. Sadly, this first building was destroyed by a fire in 1890.
Building the New Library
After the fire, the library's leaders decided to rebuild. They chose the same spot. They hired Little & Browne again to design the new building. The main architect for the new building lived in Danvers. The new library was finished in 1892. It was built in a style called Classical Revival. In 1978, the library building was officially given to the town of Danvers.
What the Library Looks Like
The Peabody Institute is in a quiet, residential area. It sits in a park that is over 4 acres (1.6 ha) big. The building has two stories. It is made of wood, but it looks like stone. The roof is low and flat, with a small fence around it. The building sits on a strong granite base.
Main Entrance and Design
The front of the library faces north. It has a special rounded porch. This porch sticks out from the building. It is supported by smooth, round columns. This porch covers the main entrance. The entrance has windows on the sides. It also has a round arch above it. You can see similar round arches over the windows next to the entrance. There is also a rounded porch on the back of the building. However, this one does not have an entrance.
Inside the Library
The inside of the building has changed over time. It used to have a large room upstairs. This room was used for many things. People would give lectures there. High school graduation ceremonies were also held there. Now, the entire building is used for library services. In 1981, the inside of the building was updated and made larger. A special area called the Danvers Archival Center was added. This center keeps important historical records. These changes did not affect the outside look of the building much.
