Peabody Institute Library (Peabody, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Peabody Institute Library
|
|
Peabody Institute Library
|
|
 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 82 Main St., Peabody, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1853 |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000311 |
| Added to NRHP | June 4, 1973 |
The Peabody Institute Library is a public library in Peabody, Massachusetts. It was started in 1852 thanks to a generous gift from George Peabody. He was a kind person who grew up in Peabody. The main library building is at 82 Main Street. There are also two smaller branches. The main building is a two-story brick building from 1853. It is now a special historic place. Some people say it's the oldest public library in the U.S. that has always been in the same spot!
Contents
The Main Library Building
In 1852, the town of Danvers was celebrating a big birthday. It had been 100 years since it separated from the City of Salem. A group in Danvers invited George Peabody to come back and celebrate with them. At the time, George Peabody was living far away in London.
He wrote back on May 26, 1852, saying he couldn't make it. But he did something amazing! He gave $20,000 to create a library in Danvers. This was a huge amount of money back then.
George Peabody's Rules
George Peabody had two important rules for his gift. First, the library had to be free for everyone to use. Second, it needed to have a "lyceum." A lyceum was a place for public talks and learning.
Naming the Library
In June 1852, the town leaders of Danvers met. They voted to name the library the Peabody Institute. This was to honor George Peabody for his generous gift. They also decided to carve the library's name on the front of the building. This would remind everyone about the person who made the library possible.
Building the Library
The first stone of the library was put in place on August 20, 1853. A friend of George Peabody, Abbott Lawrence, helped with this special event. Mr. Lawrence was also an ambassador to England.
The main Peabody Institute Library is in downtown Peabody. It's on the north side of Main Street. The building is made of red brick and has brownstone decorations. It sits on a strong granite base. Richard Bond, a famous architect, designed the building. Franklin Merrill and Russell & White were the builders.
The roof has a special shape with wide edges. These edges have Italian-style decorations. The front of the building has a fancy entrance with columns. Next to the entrance are round-arch windows. The second floor has three taller windows that are also round at the top.
The library was officially opened on September 29, 1854. A famous speaker named Rufus Choate gave a speech. The library then opened its doors to the public on October 18, 1854.
First Librarians
George Peabody gave $200,000 for the building's construction. The first person chosen to be the librarian was Fitch Poole. He was a well-known writer and funny person. However, Fitch Poole resigned just before the library opened.
Eugene B. Hinckley became the librarian when the library officially opened. He worked there until May 1856. After that, Fitch Poole returned and served as the librarian until he passed away in 1873.
Images for kids
-
Broadside for the opening of the Peabody Institute Library
-
George Peabody Lying in Repose at the Peabody Institute Library
