Easthampton Public Library, Easthampton, Massachusetts
While vacationing, Greg always makes a point of visiting a local public library. In this case, it was the beautiful Easthampton Public Library in Easthampton, Massachusetts. The library was built in 1883 by Peabody and Stearns. It currently serves a community of approximately 16,000.
The architecture is striking. It’s a great example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. It’s constructed of a granite foundation, local sandstone, and a steep-pitched slate roof. It maintains its stately 19th-century visage, with the only evident modern feature being a ramp for accessibility.
As you enter the library, there is a service desk before you. It features a fireplace, a clock, and a portrait of Emily Williston, the library’s original namesake. To the right are the stacks. This space felt crowded in some ways, with narrow aisles that would make it difficult for someone in a wheelchair to turn around. There are three or four alcoves along one side of the section, and those were being used as workspaces. The collection felt small, particularly nonfiction. The fiction collection, as well as DVDs and audiobooks, was larger and well-rounded.
On the other side is a reading room, public technology, and workspaces. It was being used in all three ways during Greg’s visit. When the library originally opened, it was billed as a public library and a museum, and it continues that tradition today. He was impressed with the curation and explanatory signage - particularly for the 1862 28-star flag.
Marie Pomeroy made the flag for her half-brother, Herbert White Pomeroy. He served in the 2nd Regiment, Company K. He departed Easthampton with men from the town and surrounding communities. They arrived in Baton Rouge on December 17, 1863. Herbert died of typhoid fever on January 28, 1863 at Plaquemine, LA. He was just 19 years old.
This is just one example of the museum collection and the thoughtful interpretive materials. In addition to the flag, there were plenty of maps, currency, and the largest collections of swords, pikes, and firearms.
Descending into the basement, where youth services is located, there was a completely different vibe. It was bright, open, and colorful. It was renovated about 10 years ago and was very active during Greg’s visit. He saw students with tutors and kids coming in to report on their summer reading progress. It’s exactly what we love to see.
Wandering around the floor, there was plenty to see and enjoy. There was plenty of student art (including models of the library), three “portholes” that were part of the HVAC system, and lower shelves to provide excellent sightlines. Also on this floor, Greg saw the Community Cupboard food pantry, a seed library, and very nice and clean bathrooms.
Greg had seen a large, painted wooden bear on the first floor and noticed another one here. Mr. J, the youth services librarian, explained there’d been a town-wide program in 2018 that led to bears like these being placed around town. The two at the library were done by children’s book writer and illustrator Ruth Sanderson, whose work includes the very edition of The Secret Garden Greg read to his daughter during her childhood.
He also learned there was an annex just a short walk from the library, but time and tides wait for no one, and Greg was unable to visit. This new space opened recently and is used as an accessible program space.
Returning to the first floor, Greg loved how busy the library was and the friendliness of the staff. This was a community-driven library. He was especially pleased to see the Library Bill of Rights posted for all to see. This was a nice visit, from the strong fiction collection to the vibrant feel of the YA floor to the poignant reminders of the town’s long history. Thumbs up!