Modern Library, Helsinki, Finland

Canajoharie NY, Arkell Memorial Library, 1940s

 

The Arkell Memorial Library, located in Canajoharie, has its own interesting history. It was established in 1907 as a gift from the Arkell family, who were prominent local industrialists. The Arkell family made their fortune in the manufacture of paper and were also instrumental in the development of Canajoharie's economy. The library was built in memory of Franklin and Elizabeth Arkell, with their daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Arkell, spearheading the project.

Stratford CT, Public Library, 1945

 

The Stratford Library in Stratford, Connecticut, has a rich history spanning over a century. Established in 1897, it began as a small collection housed in various locations, including the post office and private homes. In 1927, the library found a permanent home at Jefferson and Atlantic Avenues, where it operated until 1959. That year, it moved into a wing of the Borough Hall, remaining there until 1961. In 1961, the library relocated to 302 Union Avenue, a building that had previously served as a sheep barn and later as a school. 

Worcester MA, Public Library, 1906

 

1868: A new building was constructed at the corner of Salem and Common Streets. The building was designed by architect Stephen C. Earle in a Romanesque Revival style and opened in 1869. This location helped the library grow its collections and services.

Holyoke MA, Public Library, 1906

 

The original library building was designed by architect Stephen C. Earle, an established architect from Worcester. It was a classic design, constructed in the Romanesque style, and was completed in 1892. This building stood as a testament to Holyoke’s ambition to be a center of culture and learning amidst the industrial boom.

Leominster MA, Public Library, 1950s

 

The first library was formed as a subscription library, where residents paid to become members. This library was housed in a small room within the town hall.

Marblehead MA, Public Library, 1960s

 

In 1954, the library moved to a new building at 235 Pleasant Street, funded by a $20,000 bequest from Gregory O. Lyon. This location served the community for several decades. In 2022, the library temporarily relocated to the site of the old Eveleth School on Brook Road to facilitate major renovations and upgrades.

Bangor ME, Public Library, 1940s

 

In 1912, construction began on a new library building designed by the architectural firm Peabody & Stearns. Completed in December 1913, the building featured a copper-framed dome, a glass rotunda, and a grand staircase. The library's design incorporated classical detailing and was set in a downtown public park adjacent to City Hall and the main shopping district. 

Cape Cod, South Yarmouth MA, Public Library, 1964

 

The library was originally founded as part of the Cape Cod Library Association in the late 19th century. It began as a small community-driven initiative to provide access to literature and education. Over the years, as the population grew and the need for a formalized space for learning became more apparent, the library expanded. Its building, which has seen several renovations and upgrades, serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

Des Moines IA, City Library, 1960s

 

Beginnings: The Des Moines Public Library system traces its roots to 1866, when the Des Moines Library Association was formed. The goal was to establish a public library for the city's growing population.

First Library: The first library building, funded by local residents, opened in 1886. It was a modest facility, but as the city grew, so did the demand for library services.

Indiana University, Bloomington IN, Lilly Library, 1960s

 

The Lilly Library at Indiana University Bloomington is a renowned rare books and manuscript library with a rich history. It was established in 1960 following a generous gift from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., which was founded by Eli Lilly and his family, prominent figures in the pharmaceutical industry. The Lilly Library was named in honor of this endowment and its major benefactor.

The library's holdings include notable manuscripts, early printed books, and archives related to authors such as James Joyce, William Faulkner, and even modern pop culture, like the papers of science fiction writer Ray Bradbury. Its collections of rare books date back to the 15th century and include works from the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and early modern periods.

South Bend IN, Spiro Public Library, 1950s

 

In 1959, the original "Castle" was demolished to make way for a new main library building. The new facility, named the Betty Ruth Spiro Memorial Library, opened its doors on March 1, 1960, at 122 W. Wayne Street. This building served as the main library for several decades. 

Vero Beach FL, Indian River County Library, 1960s

 

The Indian River County Library system, which includes the Vero Beach branch, began to develop in the mid-20th century. The library was originally a small, community-run resource. By the 1960s, it had grown significantly in terms of services and collections, serving both the local residents and seasonal visitors.

St. Petersburg FL, New Central Library, 1960s

 

In 1964, St. Petersburg, Florida, inaugurated its Central Library at 3745 9th Avenue North, situated along the shores of the 11-acre Lake Jorgensen. This modern facility was designed to replace the aging Mirror Lake Library, which had served the community since 1915. 

Orlando FL, Public Library, 1960s

 

In 1966, a new 60,000-square-foot library building was completed at 101 E. Central Blvd., designed in a contemporary, modernist style by architect John M. Johansen.

Madison CT, Scranton Library, 1959

 

In 1900, the Scranton Library was constructed, designed by architect Henry Bacon, who later gained fame for designing the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The original building was completed at a cost of $30,000 and housed a collection of 1,000 volumes upon its opening on July 21, 1900.

University of Colorado, Norlin Library, 1960s

 

The Norlin Library at the University of Colorado Boulder has a rich history that dates back to its construction in the 1930s. By the 1960s, it was the main library on campus and played a significant role in the academic and cultural life of the university.

Meriden CT, Connecticut, Curtis Memorial Library, 1959

 

The Curtis Memorial Library in Meriden, Connecticut, was a significant landmark in the city's history. Established in 1903 as a gift from Mrs. George R. Curtis, it served as Meriden's primary library for seven decades before being repurposed as the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center. The building's architectural design and cultural importance have made it a subject of interest for postcard collectors.

Denver, Colorado, New Public Library, 1911

 

Denver’s first public library opened in 1889, but it was small and inadequate.

Andrew Carnegie, known for funding libraries nationwide, donated $200,000 in 1902 for a new central library.

Designed by Albert Ross, the new building was completed in 1910.

The library served Denver for decades before being replaced by a larger, modern facility in 1956.

The original Carnegie Library now houses the McNichols Civic Center Building.

University of California, Irvine, Library, 1965

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) Library was established in 1965, the same year the university itself was founded. As part of UCI's original academic infrastructure, the library played a crucial role in supporting the new campus’s research and learning needs.

Stanford University, J. Henry Meyer Library, California, 1969

Stanford University’s J. Henry Meyer Memorial Library was built as the university’s undergraduate library. It was named after J. Henry Meyer, a successful San Francisco businessman whose family donated funds for its construction. The library was designed to support undergraduate studies with a large general collection, study spaces, and various academic resources. For decades, Meyer Library was a key part of Stanford’s academic landscape, offering students a place to study and conduct research. However, as digital resources grew in prominence and the building’s infrastructure aged, the university decided to demolish Meyer Library in 2015. Its functions were largely transferred to Lathrop Library, which opened in 2014 in a renovated building nearby, providing modern study spaces and access to technology-driven resources.