Library Visit: Jaffrey Public Library, New Hampshire
Chris Wolak
Jaffrey Public Library
38 Main Street
Jaffrey, New Hampshire 03452 Facebook page
Dedicated: July 4, 1896
Memorial library bequeathed by Susan Bethia Clay
Architect: H.M. Frances of Fitchburg
Builder: J.D. Littlehale of Fitchburg
Date visited: 3/11/14
I didn’t take any interior pictures of this beautiful library. We were on our way to pay homage to Willa Cather who is buried in Jaffrey, but couldn’t drive past this beautiful library without a quick peek inside. It was also a busy weekday morning with patrons buzzing about and a meeting going on in one of the front rooms. I didn’t want to be intrusive with picture taking.
If you’re a library geek you’ll want to check out this free ebook: Dedication of the Clay Library Building. It’s a commemorative book (1896) about the creation of the library, past library activity in Jaffrey, and a fantastic historical record of the importance of libraries in the late 19th century (as well as contemporary attitudes and politics). You can download it from the link above as a PDF or EPUB.
View from the sidewalk.
A closer shot.
Exquisite architectural details–arches, columns, and scroll work.
A most impressive entry arch.
Corner carving. It’s a floral design, but doesn’t it look like a dragon from this angle?
The wise owl.
Plaque in the front entry.
Susan B. Clay
Lovely natural light.
Window detail.
Fireplace in memory of Lawrence H and Josephine B. Wetherell
Cather on the shelf.
I plan on making another pilgrimage to Cather’s grave, perhaps in the spring, and will definitely make time to visit this library again.
