Pittsfield Public Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Pittsfield Public Library
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Early 20th century postcard view
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | 110 Library St., Pittsfield, Maine |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1903 |
| Built by | M.C. Foster and Sons |
| Architect | Albert Randolph Ross |
| Architectural style | Beaux Arts |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000471 |
| Added to NRHP | January 4, 1983 |
The Pittsfield Public Library is a really cool building in Pittsfield, Maine. It's not just any library; it's a special kind of building called a Beaux Arts building. This means it has a grand, fancy style, like old European palaces! A famous architect named Albert Randolph Ross designed it, and it was built way back in 1903-1904. Guess what? A very rich man named Andrew Carnegie helped pay for it! Because it's so old and important, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. This list helps protect important buildings in the United States.
The Pittsfield Public Library: A Special Building
The Pittsfield Public Library stands proudly at 110 Library Street. It's located near the town center, just across some railroad tracks. The building faces a grassy area, making it look even grander.
What Makes It Special?
This library has a unique design. It has a central part with a dome, like a small rounded roof. On each side, there are rectangular wings that spread out. The main entrance is in the middle. It has a rounded archway, with columns on either side. Above the entrance, there's a triangular shape called a pediment, which looks very classical.
The building is made from white brick. It sits on a strong base of granite. Inside, the librarian's desk is in the center. Bookshelves spread out behind it. The wings on the sides have reading rooms with more bookcases. Even the basement has been changed to hold extra books!
Who Helped Build It?
The idea for the library came from Robert Dodson. He owned a local mill and worked hard to make the library happen. He even got a special grant from Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie was a very wealthy businessman who helped fund many libraries across the country.
The person who designed this beautiful building was Albert Randolph Ross. He was an architect from New York City. He also designed two other libraries in Maine. One of these was another Carnegie-funded library at Good Will-Hinckley.
