Washington Street Library (Allegany County Library System) facts for kids
The Washington Street Library is a cool old building in Cumberland, Maryland. It first opened its doors as a library on June 19, 1934. Before it was a library, this building was actually a school! It was built between 1849 and 1850 for the Allegany County Academy. This academy was the very first public school in Allegany County, started way back in 1799. In 1966, a new part was added to the building, making space for even more books and resources.
A Look Inside the Library
The Washington Street Library is located in a historic area. The building itself is designed in a style called Greek Revival. This means it looks a bit like ancient Greek temples, with grand columns and a classic feel.
What You Can Find There
Today, the Washington Street Library has the biggest collection of reference books in the whole Allegany County Library System. Reference books are special books you usually use inside the library to find facts and information.
The library also has a special area called the Maryland Room. Here, you can find lots of information about local history, especially about Allegany County and Maryland. It's a great place to learn about the past of your community!
Programs and Services
The library offers many helpful things for everyone. You can use free internet access to do your homework or browse online. They also have a huge collection of books, including fiction (stories) and non-fiction (facts). If you prefer listening to books, they have audiobooks too!
If a book you want isn't at the Washington Street Library, they can often get it for you from another library. This is called Interlibrary Loan. Plus, for younger kids, there are fun children's programs happening every week.
