Brooks Memorial Library

Brooks Memorial Library is a public library in the municipality of Brattleboro, Vermont. The library was founded in 1887. The current head librarian is Starr LaTronica who joined the library in December 2015.[1] The library is part of the Catamount Library Network, which provides a unified library system for over a dozen Vermont libraries.

History

The library was founded in 1887, when the Brattleboro Library Association's "Free Library" was moved to George J. Brooks Free Library.[2] Brooks was a successful paper wholesale entrepreneur, and upon his return to his hometown founded the library.[2] The library was designed by New England architect Alexander Curtis Currier.[3]

The original property was torn down in 1971, when the Brattleboro post office expanded, and the new library was completed in 1967 at its current location.[2] Since then, the library has been funded by a mix of the annual town budget and gifts to the Friends of the Brooks Memorial Library.[2]

The library received national press attention when a reclusive and frugal millionaire, Ronald Read, died and left $1.2 million to the library alongside an additional 4.8 million to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital.[4][5]

References
  1. "Brattleboro move 'a dream come true' for new library director". www.reformer.com. Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  2. "History - Brooks Memorial Library". brookslibraryvt.org. Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  3. "The Old Brooks Library - Brattleboro History". brattleborohistory.com. Archived from the original on 2018-02-11. Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  4. Weiss-Tisman, Howard (2015-02-05). "Frugal benefactor leaves millions to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and Brooks Memorial Library". Brattleboro Reformer. Retrieved December 20, 2015.
  5. "Frugal Vermonter donates estate worth $8M". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2015-12-20.

42.8553°N 72.55991°W / 42.8553; -72.55991

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