Zadoc Long Free Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Zadoc Long Free Library
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | ME 117 S side, at jct. with ME 140, Buckfield, Maine |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1901 |
| Architect | John Calvin Stevens |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Shingle Style |
| MPS | Maine Public Libraries MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 94000636 |
| Added to NRHP | June 24, 1994 |
The Zadoc Long Free Library is a public library in Buckfield, Maine. It's a small, charming building made of wood. The library was built in 1901. It was a special gift to the town from John Davis Long. He named it after his father, Zadoc. This library was the very first one in Buckfield. In 1994, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical building.
Contents
Discovering the Library's Design
The Zadoc Long Free Library is a one-story building. It has a sloped roof and walls covered in wood shingles. The building sits on a strong granite foundation. The main entrance is in the middle of the front. A small, pointed roof section hangs over the door.
Inside the Historic Library
When you step inside, the library has three main areas. In the center, you'll find the circulation desk. This is where you check out books. To the right, there's a cozy reading area. On the left, you'll see the book stacks. These shelves are original and made of wood. They even have cool pedestals at the ends. The reading room also has a big brick fireplace.
The Story Behind the Zadoc Long Library
The library was a gift from John Davis Long. He was born in Buckfield in 1838. John Davis Long became a very important person. He served as the Governor of Massachusetts in the 1880s. Later, he became the United States Secretary of the Navy. This was under President William McKinley.
A Gift to His Hometown
In 1900, John Davis Long decided to give his hometown a library. He hired a famous architect named John Calvin Stevens. Stevens was from Portland, Maine. He designed the beautiful building. The land for the library was also given to the town. The library was finished in 1901. John Davis Long and his family also gave the first collection of books.
Architectural Influence and Style
John Calvin Stevens designed many libraries for small towns in Maine. The Zadoc Long Library was one of them. Its design was very important. It even influenced how he designed other libraries. For example, the Rumford Public Library and the Cary Library in Houlton, Maine were designed in 1903. They shared similar styles. The library shows off two styles: Colonial Revival and Shingle Style.
