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

An impressive, yet welcoming facade.

The original front entrance (no longer in use)

Looking up at the original front entrance.

Carved frieze: Minerva represents Literature

Carved frieze: Apollo represents the Arts

Side view (note the addition on the right, which added an additional 6,000 sq. ft.)

Chimney close-up.

The new main entrance is through the addition built in 1991.

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.

Unique shelving on the first floor.

Lovely section signs hand-written in calligraphy guide patrons throughout the library.

A reading area on the second floor of the new addition.

Where books go to be repaired.

A stunning room.

The oak ceiling is high, yet the warmth of the wood makes the room feel cozy.

Dedication above the fireplace reads: Elihu Spicer Gave this library to the people. ‘Large was his bounty and his soul sincere.’

Bay window reading area to the left of the fireplace.

The view from the bay window.

Looking back into the room from the bay window reading area.

Another view of the great room. Notice the periodicals section and the stained glass windows.

A handsome, user-friendly reference desk.

Bookcase.

Bookcase.

Bookcase detail.

A sunny corner.

The view sitting at a work table to the right of the fireplace.

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!