T.B. Scott Free Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Scott, T. B., Free Library
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Merrill, Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Built | 1911 |
| Architect | Claude & Starck |
| Architectural style | Prairie School |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000096 |
| Added to NRHP | January 21, 1974 |
The T.B. Scott Free Library is a public library in Merrill, Wisconsin. This special building was finished in 1911. It was designed by a famous architecture firm called Claude and Starck.
The library was built with money from the Carnegie Corporation. This group helped build many libraries across the country. The T.B. Scott Free Library is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical site. Before 1911, the library was located in Merrill City Hall. The library building has grown over time. It had new parts added in 1969 and again in 2001.
Contents
A Look Inside the Library
The T.B. Scott Free Library is more than just a place for books. It's a busy community hub. People of all ages visit to read, learn, and connect. The library offers many services. These include borrowing books, movies, and music. You can also use computers and the internet.
Learning and Fun Activities
The library often hosts fun events. These might include story times for younger kids. There are also workshops and clubs for teens. You can learn new skills or meet new friends. Libraries are great places to explore your interests.
Green Energy at the Library
The T.B. Scott Free Library is also very modern. In 2017, it added a special solar power system. This system helps power the building. It uses 79 solar panels. These panels turn sunlight into electricity.
How Solar Power Helps
The solar panels are on the roof. They provide about 15% of the library's electricity. This helps the library save energy. It also helps the environment. Using solar power means less pollution.
Track the Energy Use
There's a cool learning station in the library's lobby. You can see how much energy the solar panels are making. You can also see how much electricity the library is using. It's a great way to learn about green energy.
Library Connections
The T.B. Scott Free Library is part of a bigger network. It belongs to the Wisconsin Valley Library Service (WVLS). This is a group of libraries in Wisconsin.
Working Together
The WVLS connects 26 public libraries. It also links to 212 other libraries. These libraries are across seven counties. Being part of this group helps libraries share resources. It means more books and materials for everyone.
Who Uses the Library?
Many people use the T.B. Scott Free Library. In 2017, almost half of its users were from Merrill. The other half were from Lincoln County. This shows it serves a wide area.
Awards and Recognition
The T.B. Scott Free Library has won some big awards. It has been named "Library of the Year" twice. The Wisconsin Library Association gave it this award. They won in 1977 and again in 2002. This shows it's a really great library! The library was also featured in a book. The book is called Heart of the Community: The Libraries We Love. It came out in 2007.
