Northfield Public Library, 210 Washington Street, Northfield, Minnesota
From Placeography
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[http://www.scotcities.com/carnegie/american.htm Architecture: Carnegie Libraries in Scotland and America] | [http://www.scotcities.com/carnegie/american.htm Architecture: Carnegie Libraries in Scotland and America] | ||
| - | http://www.selco.info | + | [http://www.selco.info SELCO: Southeastern Libraries Cooperating/Southeastern Library System] |
== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
Revision as of 17:11, December 21, 2009
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Northfield Public Library | |
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| Address: | 210 Washington Street |
| Neighborhood/s: | Downtown Historic District, Northfield, Minnesota |
| City/locality- State/province | Northfield, Minnesota |
| County- State/province: | Rice County, Minnesota |
| State/province: | Minnesota |
| Country: | United States |
| Year built: | 1910 |
| Primary Style: | Georgian |
| Additions: | 1985 - 8,000 sq. feet added |
| Historic Function: | Library |
| Current Function: | Library |
| Architect or source of design: | 1910-Bell, Tyrie, and Chapman 1985-Steve Edwins of SMSQ |
| Material of Exterior Wall Covering: | Brick |
| Material of Roof: | Asphalt Shingles |
| Material of Foundation: | Concrete |
(44.4583737° N, 93.1586037° WLatitude: 44°27′30.145″N
Longitude: 93°9′30.973″W)
The library had modest beginnings in 1856 as a reading room and circulating library located in a schoolhouse at Third and Union Street. This library was set up by the Lyceum Society, who in the following year, moved it to the Lyceum's new building on East Fourth Street.
In 1878, the library's new sponsor, a Citizens' Reading Room Association, moved the library to the upstairs rooms of the Carleton YMCA, located in the Shatto Store on Mill Square. The library remained there until 1885, when it moved into its new quarters at the new city YMCA (current location of the Northfield Arts Guild), and remained there until 1910.
In 1910, with a generous donation of $10,000 from Andrew Carnegie, a new 3,800 sq. foot library was built at the present site on Washington Street. In 1981, the voters of Northfield approved a 1.3 million dollar bond to expand the size of the library. Due to delays, conflicts and legal challenges, the new 8,000 plus sq. foot addition finally opened in 1985.
The library today faces similar challenges as in the past. Space is limited. not only for materials, but for patrons as well. Several plans for a new library have been drawn, but until funding can be secured, ideas remain, just that, ideas.Contents |
Memories and stories
Photo Gallery
 Checkout Desk |
 Children's Section |
 Reading Room |
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Related Links
Northfield Public Library website
Architecture: Carnegie Libraries in Scotland and America
SELCO: Southeastern Libraries Cooperating/Southeastern Library System
