West Somerville Branch Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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West Somerville Branch Library
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 40 College Ave., Somerville, Massachusetts |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1909 |
| Architect | Mclean and Wright |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| MPS | Somerville MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 89001248 |
| Added to NRHP | September 18, 1989 |
The West Somerville Branch Library is a historic building at 40 College Avenue in Somerville, Massachusetts. It is located right outside Davis Square. This library is a great example of a building style called Classical Revival architecture. It was built in 1909. A famous person named Andrew Carnegie helped pay for it. This was the very first branch library in Somerville. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. This means it's an important historical place.
Discovering the Library's Design and Past
The West Somerville Branch Library stands on the west side of College Avenue. It is across from Morrison Avenue, just north of Davis Square. This building is one and a half stories tall. It is made of granite. It shows off many fancy details of the Classical Revival style.
What Makes the Building Special?
The front of the library faces southeast. It has three main sections. The middle section sticks out a bit. This is where the main entrance is. The entrance is a round arch. It has tall, fluted columns on each side. These columns support a triangular shape above the door. This shape is called a pediment. The corners of the building have special block-like decorations. These are called quoins. The roof is gently sloped and has a decorative edge. Each side of the building also has a round section that sticks out.
How the Library Came to Be
The library was designed by architects Mclean and Wright from Boston. It was built between 1906 and 1909. The money for the library came from a kind person named Andrew Carnegie. He was a very rich businessman who gave a lot of money to build libraries. The city of Somerville also helped pay for it.
This library is the best example of Classical Revival architecture in Somerville. It also has some details from the Beaux Arts style, which was popular at the time. It was the first branch library ever opened in Somerville. The library has been serving the community since it first opened in 1909. Today, it is part of the Minuteman Library Network system. This network connects many libraries in the area.
