Aldrich Public Library
The Aldrich Public Library, one of two in Barre, is located on a well-chosen lot across from City Park on Washington (US Route 302). Dedicated on September 22, 1908, it is part of an unusual historic district composed of five churches and city hall with its recently-restored opera house. Each of these buildings is at least a decade older than the library which was built with money from the estate of Leonard Frost Aldrich.
A native of Barre, Aldrich was a successful businessman known for his good works. Especially interested in education, he had served as trustee of Barre Academy and had helped oversee the construction of Goddard Seminary in 1869. He decided the best thing he could do for Barre was to build a library. Unfortunately, he died in 1898, ten years before the two-story building was erected.
Penn Varney of Lynn, Massachusetts was architect and William E. Jackson of Montpelier was contractor for the $39,000 Classical Revival building of gray brick. Barre granite, originally planned as the exterior stone, proved too costly, but the foundation is of granite as is the entrance with its two huge polished columns, steps, and delicately-carved frieze depicting "The Passing of the Torch of Learning."
An elaborate entryway leads to the main floor with its original oak furniture and woodwork, classical columns, and two skillfully-finished fireplaces. Above the rear book stacks is an opaque glass floor that intrigues and delights young patrons. The first floor looks much the same as when the library was first built, except for the electric lights that replaced gas fixtures, and the open stacks, originally closed off by wooden gates connected to the imposing circulation desk.
The remodeled basement contains a children's room and space for processing, storage, and kitchen purposes. In 1984, empty space was converted into a gallery on the second floor. Named in honor of George E. Milne, longtime library trustee now deceased, the room is used for meetings as well as exhibits. The upstairs also contains a museum of Barre history, and archives which include an excellent ethnic-heritage collection, considered one of the finest in Vermont.
Mission Statement:
The Aldrich Public Library is committed to serving all residents of Barre City and Barre Town and welcomes all others. *The Library's purpose is: *to encourage life-long learning and enjoyment by providing, in a welcoming atmosphere, access to books, reference materials and other current sources of information; *to introduce children to the world of books and learning at an early age; and *to enhance and preserve the cultural life and heritage of the community through meetings, programs, exhibits, discussion groups and other events.
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