The original library and reading room in the Falls, located in a brick building then standing at the foot of Bardwell Street on Main, was opened in 1897, with Miss Carrie Bardwell as the first librarian. She was followed by Grover Kirley. In 1907, after appeals had been made by several organizations, the Carnegie Foundation donated $10,000 to the town with the provision that the town appropriate $1000 annually for the maintenance of a library and that the town furnish the site and furnishings.

Miss Elizabeth Gaylord gave the land at Bardwell and Gaylord Streets and also the furnishings. The house standing on the lot was moved north on Bardwell Street.

The plans for the building were drawn by William Skinner of the Falls and Putman and Cox, and Burritt Judd was the builder. Miss Lottie Judd was appointed librarian in 1907 and held that position until resigning on October 1, 1950, after forty-three years of helpful service. The townspeople showed their gratitude to her at a reception held at the library and presented her with a watch and a purse.

Since that time a wonderful addition was added to the library in 1974 which is now full to capacity.

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URL: http://www.shadleylib.org/history.html
page last updated 25 July 2005
page created by Emily Alling
maintained by Bob Williford, Reference Librarian