Rice Public Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Rice Public Library
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | 8 Wentworth St., Kittery, Maine |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1889 |
| Built by | A. S. Giddings |
| Architect | Shepard S. Woodcock |
| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 79000190 |
| Added to NRHP | October 1, 1979 |
The Rice Public Library is a very important place in Kittery, Maine. It's where people can find books, learn new things, and join community events. You can find it at 8 Wentworth Street, right in the heart of Kittery Foreside village.
The library is housed in a beautiful building. It was built way back in 1889. This special building is recognized for its unique style. It is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The library also has a large annex building just across the street.
About the Rice Public Library
The Rice Public Library is more than just a place for books. It serves as a community hub for Kittery. People of all ages can visit to read, study, and attend programs. It helps everyone in the town learn and grow.
A Special Building
The main Rice Library building stands on the east side of Wentworth Street. It's not far from the entrance to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. This building has two stories. It is mostly made of strong Philadelphia brick. It also has fancy granite details.
The roof is shaped like a hip, which means it slopes on all four sides. On the right side, there's a tall three-story tower. The main entrance is set back under a round arch. This arch is part of a section that sticks out from the front of the building. There are also decorative brick bands between the floors.
How the Library Started
The idea for the library came from a woman named Arabella Rice. In her will from 1867, she left money to create a library in Kittery. She wanted to honor her father, who was from Kittery.
After Arabella Rice passed away in 1872, a group of trustees was formed in 1875. Their job was to make her dream come true. The library building was finally finished in 1889. It was designed by an architect from Boston named Shepard S. Woodcock. This is the only building he designed that is still standing in Maine.
The Rice Public Library is also one of only two two-story Romanesque libraries in Maine. The other one is the Skowhegan Free Public Library. When the Rice Library first opened, the top floor was used for a museum. It also had a meeting space. This space was used by the Grand Army of the Republic, a group for Civil War veterans.
