Southington Public Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Southington Public Library
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The historic library building
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | 239 Main St., Southington, Connecticut |
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| Area | 0.4 acres (0.16 ha) |
| Built | 1902 |
| Architect | Potter, George Wilson, Sr.; Crabtree, Walter P. |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 89000015 |
| Added to NRHP | February 9, 1989 |
The Southington Public Library is a public library that serves the town of Southington, Connecticut. Today, you can find it at 255 Main Street in a modern building that opened in 1974.
But did you know the library had an older home? Its first building, built in 1902, is located at 239 Main Street. This beautiful old building now houses the Southington Historical Center. It's a great example of Classical Revival architecture and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 because of its historical importance.
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How the Library Started
The idea of a library in Southington began a long time ago, back in 1797. This first library was a private one, meaning people had to pay to use it. Unfortunately, it didn't last very long and closed by 1847.
Through the mid-1800s, other small private libraries popped up. But people really started pushing for a public library, open to everyone, in the 1890s. The town officially approved a public library in 1896. Soon, it had a collection of 1,300 books, which were kept in the town hall's courtroom.
Building a Permanent Home
It became clear that the library needed its own special place. That's when Lucius V. Walkley, who owned a local company called Pultz & Walkley Company, stepped in. He offered a generous gift of $5,000. But there was a catch! He would only give the money if other people in the town could raise the same amount.
The community quickly met this goal. So, in 1902, the first part of the historic library building was finished. It was designed by an architect named George Wilson Potter Sr. from New York City. Later, in 1917, another kind person named Emma Bradley Yeomans Newell left money in her will for the library. This money was used to build an addition to the library in 1930.
In 1974, the current, larger library building was constructed across Meriden Avenue. The original library building then became the home of the Southington Historical Society. This historic building was officially recognized and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
The Historic Building's Design
The old library building is a very interesting place to look at. It stands at the corner of Main Street and Meriden Avenue, right at the southern end of downtown Southington. It's a one-story building made of brick and granite, built in a style called Classical Revival. This style often uses elements from ancient Greek and Roman buildings, like columns and grand entrances.
The building has two main parts, each with a gently sloping roof. Each part faces a different street, one towards Meriden Avenue and the other towards Main Street. The side facing Meriden Avenue is more fancy. It has a special entrance that sticks out, with a triangular roof above it and tall, flat columns on either side. The entrance on Main Street is similar but not as detailed.
Southington Historical Society
The Southington Historical Society is now located in the historic library building, which they call the Southington Historical Center. This society works hard to save and share the history of Southington and the areas nearby. They also take care of other old schoolhouses, like the historic South End Schoolhouse and the West Street Schoolhouse.
The Society often holds different events, such as:
- Exhibits with old photos and items
- Lectures where you can learn about local history
- Programs for the community
- Fundraisers to help keep history alive
Their displays include many interesting things like old photos, sports and school memories, items from local businesses and industries, and even military artifacts. It's a great place to learn about Southington's past!
See also
