Mystic & Noank Public Library
40 Library Street
Mystic, CT 06355
http://www.mysticnoanklibrary.org/
About this beautiful library:
Dedicated: January 23, 1894
Built by: Captain Elihu Spicer
Architect: William Bigelow of NY
Contractor: Mertz’s Sons of Port Chester, NY
Some of the materials used:
- Roman brick
- Granite from Leete’s Island in Guilford, CT
- Sandstone from Longmeadow, VT
- Marbles from Vermont, Tennessee, and Africa
- Tile floors from Italy
- Cathedral glass transoms
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An impressive, yet welcoming facade. |
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The original front entrance (no longer in use) |
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Looking up at the original front entrance. |
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Carved frieze: Minerva represents Literature |
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Carved frieze: Apollo represents the Arts |
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Side view (note the addition on the right, which added an additional 6,000 sq. ft.) |
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Chimney close-up. |
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The new main entrance is through the addition built in 1991. |
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The new architectural detail is in harmony with the original, thus maintaining the integrity of the whole, a sure sign that this community loves their library. |
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Unique shelving on the first floor. |
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Lovely section signs hand-written in calligraphy guide patrons throughout the library. |
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A reading area on the second floor of the new addition. |
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Where books go to be repaired. |
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A stunning room. |
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The oak ceiling is high, yet the warmth of the wood makes the room feel cozy. |
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Dedication above the fireplace reads:
Elihu Spicer
Gave this library to the people.
‘Large was his bounty and his soul sincere.’ |
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Bay window reading area to the left of the fireplace. |
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The view from the bay window. |
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Looking back into the room from the bay window reading area. |
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Another view of the great room. Notice the periodicals section and the stained glass windows. |
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A handsome, user-friendly reference desk. |
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Bookcase. |
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Bookcase. |
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Bookcase detail. |
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A sunny corner. |
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The view sitting at a work table to the right of the fireplace. |
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Cather on the shelf. |
Read about the history of the library here. And if you ever find yourself in Mystic, the library is just a short walk up the hill from historic downtown Mystic (where there’s a wonderful bookstore, Bank Square Books, and, of course, Mystic Pizza for those of you old enough to remember the movie)
UPDATE April 2018: The library now has a resident cat. Mito!

You can follow Mito’s library adventures on Instagram at @MitoTheLibraryCat.
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What a beautiful library — that wooden ceiling is stunning. I also love the rugs.
wow, beautiful and cozy, thanks for sharing
Wow.
I'm from CT and I had no idea this beautiful library existed! Connecticut at its best. Thank you for sharing such great photos.
Wow marvelous library!
This sounds like the most beautiful library ever! I want to go to CT just to visit it!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction