Southworth Library (Dartmouth, Massachusetts)
| Southworth Library | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Address | 404 Elm Street |
| Town or city | Dartmouth, Massachusetts |
| Country | United States of America |
| Completed | February 1, 1890 |
| Cost | $4,785 |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 2 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | R. H. Slack |
The Southworth Library was a library located in the village of Padanaram, a coastal village located in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, at 404 Elm Street.[1][2] The library was opened in 1890, and is currently known as the Dartmouth Cultural Center.[1][3]
History
Origin
In 1878, the pastor of the Congregational church of South Dartmouth - Reverend Salter F Calhoun, formed a group with the aim of creating a public library.[4] The initial library was only available to Padanaram residents, and only contained eight books.[1] The original collection was located at the home of Edward Manchester, but as it progressed in size it was moved to Potter's Store.[4] The last location before it was moved to its final position was a small building across the street from Potter's Store. The location there's rent was paid for by Dr. Andrew B. Cushman, in return for use of the library as an office.[1]
Construction
In March 1888 the land that the library would be built upon was sold by Captain George O. Baker to the library association for 200 United States dollars. Funds for the library were procured from John Haywood Southworth, who in addition to donating funds needed for creating the building, also donated 2,500 books - all in the memory of his father.[1][3] The building was designed by architect R. H. Slack, who fashioned the building with a reference room in the shape of a half circle, an additional room with the fiction collection, and a downstairs section for children's literature. The building was two stories, 1,999 square feet, and cost $4,785 USD to build. Southworth library was completed, and dedicated in February 1, 1890 by Reverend Martin S. Howard.[1][3]
Public usage
At the time the library was dedicated a library card cost 50 cents, with late fees being 1 cent per day.[1]
The library was supplied with running water and modern plumbing in 1921.[1]
In 1927, the library was acquired by the town of Dartmouth. In the same year the libraries collection consisted of 17,921 books.[1]
During the Great Depression the library gathered unemployed boys.[1]
In 1958 the library no longer had enough room to fit their collection of books, and by 1967 the town agreed to spend $515,000 on building a new library.[1]
There at one time was a tram line running along the street next to the library.[5]
As the Dartmouth Cultural Center
The Dartmouth Cultural Center - which is housed at the library - hosts various events in the local community, mostly regarding art and youth activities. They also offered online services during the COVID-19 pandemic.[6][7][8][9]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Shelford, Chloe (September 3, 2018). "The storied history of the Old Southworth Library". Dartmouth Week Today. Retrieved 2022-06-15.
- ^ "Celebrate the 130th anniversary of the Olde Southworth Library". Dartmouth Week Today. 9 January 2020. Retrieved 2022-07-01.
- ^ a b c Medeiros, Peggi. "Dartmouth cultural center is right destiny for Southworth Library". New Bedford Standard-Times. Retrieved 2022-06-15.
- ^ a b Haskell, Elsie. "History of the Dartmouth Public Libraries" (PDF). Town of Dartmouth Massachusetts.
- ^ "Once upon a time: Dartmouth then and now". Dartmouth. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
- ^ "See youth art at the Cultural Center". Dartmouth Week Today. 25 February 2022. Retrieved 2022-07-01.
- ^ "Youth art on display virtually at Cultural Center". Dartmouth Week Today. 9 February 2021. Retrieved 2022-07-01.
- ^ Shea, Christopher. "Local portraits on display at the Cultural Center". Dartmouth Week Today. Retrieved 2022-07-01.
- ^ Shea, Christopher. "Abstracts on display at Cultural Center". Dartmouth Week Today. Retrieved 2022-07-01.
External links
Coordinates: 41°35′20″N 70°56′46″W / 41.58887°N 70.94609°W