New Public Library, Marblehead, Massachusetts

[LIB6515] - Funding to build the first library came from Benjamin Abbot’s will. He gave money to construct a building "for the benefit of the inhabitants" of Marblehead "because it was my birthplace." As a result, Abbot Hall was completed in 1877 and included space for a library. The Town then appropriated $20,000 to the newly created Abbot Public Library and the Library came into existence in 1878 in the room which now (and while the Library was there) houses the painting "The Spirit of ‘76". In 1953-54, a new building was built on the present site. In 1991, a new wing was added and much of the building was renovated. [From the website]