Winn Memorial Library facts for kids
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Winn Memorial Library
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 45 Pleasant Street, Woburn, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 1.7 acres (0.69 ha) |
| Built | 1879 |
| Architect | H. H. Richardson; Norcross Brothers |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000290 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 13, 1976 |
| Designated NHL | December 23, 1987 |
The Winn Memorial Library, also known as the Woburn Public Library, is a very important historical building in Woburn, Massachusetts. It was built between 1876 and 1879. A famous architect named H. H. Richardson designed it. The building has a special style called Romanesque Revival. It was a gift from the Winn family to the people of Woburn. Today, it is home to the Woburn Public Library, which first opened in 1856. This library is so special that it is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
What Makes the Library Special?
The library's official name is the "Woburn Public Library." The Winn family paid for the building and also gave money to help run it. They specifically asked that the library not be named after them. However, the architect, H. H. Richardson, called his plans "Winn Library." Because of this, many people, especially in architecture, still call it the "Winn Memorial Library."
A Gift to the Community
You can see a message carved into the entrance of the library. It says: "This building was built to remember Jonathan Bowers Winn. The money came from his son. It is for the use, benefit, and improvement of the people of Woburn." This shows how much the Winn family cared about their community.
Who Designed the Library?
The library was built from 1876 to 1879. It was the first of many libraries designed by H. H. Richardson. He was a very important architect who lived from 1838 to 1886. He created a special layout for libraries that he used in many of his later projects.
Richardson's Library Design
Richardson's design for libraries often included:
- An entrance that was not directly in the center, usually with a tall tower.
- A main entrance area that led into a large, high-ceilinged room.
- Reading rooms next to the areas where books were stored (the stacks).
- Sometimes, an art gallery was also included.
Because of its amazing design, the Winn Memorial Library was named a National Historic Landmark in 1987. This means it's a very important building in American history and architecture.
Looking at the Outside of the Library
The front of the library faces south. On the left side, there is a long, two-story section where the books are kept. This part has narrow windows on the first floor. Above them, there's a strip of windows separated by columns, all under a pointed roof.
Main Features of the Exterior
The middle part of the building has a pointed gable roof. It features three arched double windows on the first floor. Above these, there are seven arched single windows. Attached to this section is a tall tower in a style called High Victorian. The main entrance arch is on the other side of this tower.
On the far right side of the building, there is an attached octagonal (eight-sided) wing. This part is two and a half stories tall and holds the museum.
Colors and Materials
The outside of the library is built with different colored stones. It uses brownstone with lighter stone for details. Sometimes, the stones are laid in stripes. The main arches and the entrance porch have stones of alternating colors. The roof is made of red tiles with bronze decorations. The roofs of the tower and museum have special pointed decorations called crockets.
Exploring the Inside of the Library
When you go inside, you enter a reception room. This room also served as a picture gallery. To the right, you'll find the museum. To the left, there are three reading rooms.
Inside the Book Stacks
Beyond the reading rooms are the book stacks. This area is two stories tall. It has a tall arcade on each side with six arches. The ceiling above is made of wood and shaped like a barrel vault. There are curved staircases at each of the four corners of the book stacks. The main staircase is in the tower.
Statue of a Famous Scientist
In front of the library, on the main lawn, there is a statue. It honors Sir Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford. He was a famous scientist who was born in Woburn.
Images for kids
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Gable and tower.
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Museum exterior.
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Entrance porch.
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Memorial plaque.
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Entrance.
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Reception room/picture gallery, around 1890.
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Museum/natural history room, around 1890.
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Reading rooms, around 1890.
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Book stacks, around 1890.
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Book stacks, around 1890.
