F is for Franklin
Ray Memorial Library
Which library is the oldest library in the U.S.? Today I visited the "first public library in the United States" in Franklin Mass! While there are older buildings that now house books for patrons, the Ray Memorial Library holds the honor of being the oldest library in this country.
It was a short fourteen mile drive to neighboring Franklin. The pink granite, large, 220 year old library building sits on beautifully maintained grounds. I was lucky to grab a parking spot and followed a steady stream of parents and their young children in the side door entrance.
Upon entering the library it was obvious that the crowd came for a children's music event! Singing and instruments could be heard immediately. There appeared to be around 20 children and their caregivers assembled to belt out some tunes and get their bodies dancing.
I learned from the librarian at the main desk that "Miss Callie", a children's librarian runs awesome programs for young children. Evidently Miss Callie has a large and loyal fan base. There are two children' programs each day! No registration required and they don't turn anyone away. There is a lot of socialization happening between children and the adults. What a great resource for the young parents, grandparents and care givers to have. The icing on the cake is that it is all free!
At the circulation desk I learned that the hottest current novel is The Women, by Kristin Hannah. There are over 1,400 readers on the waiting list. That book is on my list of to-be-read books. There was a "travel" section in the adult library that caught my attention. Not what I thought it was going to be. The novels were marked by the geographical location the story took place in. I thought that was a cool way to pick your next read. Feel like "going" to Ireland, New York, India????
I started my visit in the original library building, built in 1904. I took the stairs to the second floor, walking up stairs that are part of a two story addition, built in 2017. The addition is beautiful and doesn't take away from the beauty of the original building in any way.
The citizens of Franklin are fortunate that their town supports the need for a thriving library. Libraries have changed so much to meet the needs of our modern society. One librarian I talked with told me that after the recent addition their only regret was not making more "work space." People flock to the quiet, comfortable rooms to study and work. Apparently the printers are a big draw! Early morning the library is buzzy with people on their way to work or the airport, printing out passes and other documents.
The afternoons are busy with tutors and their students. For many people without a place to call home , the library is a warm, dry place to spend time. On occasion the library staff has to wake up patrons to send them on their way.
Not surprisingly my favorite room in the library was the "Reading Gallery." The pictures below will do a much better job at explaining why than any description I could write. I will tell you that soft, leather reading chairs were SO comfortable. I did sit and read my book for a while. The fireplace I sat by was trimmed in Spanish mahogany . The art work (sculpture) incorporated in that framing was a depiction of a procession in Greek festival. The sculpture was described as , "bas-relief". I was curious enough to look that up. Bas-relief is a sculptural technique. The design is only slightly raised from the flatten surface. I look forward to showing off that knowledge next time I am in an art museum:).
Naturally I viewed the collection of books that Ben Franklin gifted to the town. When Ben Franklin was asked to donate a bell for a meeting house steeple that was to be built he denied the request. His reply was, " The country people of Franklin should spare themselves the expense of a steeple at present, and that they would accept a gift of Books instead of a Bell, "Sense being preferable to Sound." I love that quote, and quite agree.
The public library in Franklin is stately, beautiful, historical and comfortable.
I hope you find this as funny as I did. My secondary exploration after the library was to a round, Irish tower, which seemed like a cool thing to see. I followed the directions on my phone 10 miles up the highway and ended up at cemetery in Milford. I did see a round, Irish tower.........and a lot of gravestones with Irish names. While I did admire the tower and I wouldn't suggest you go out of your way to pay a visit.
Miles traveled: 28
Next up: G for Groton!