Redwood Library and Athenaeum

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Redwood Library
(U.S. National Historic Landmark)
Location:	Newport, Rhode Island
Coordinates:	41°29′12″N 71°18′34″W / 41.48667, -71.30944Coordinates: 41°29′12″N 71°18′34″W / 41.48667, -71.30944
Built/Founded:	1747
Architect:	Peter Harrison
Architectural style(s):	Georgian
Added to NRHP:	October 15, 1966
NRHP Reference#:	66000015[1]
Governing body:	Private

The Redwood Library and Athenaeum is a private subscription library in Newport, Rhode Island. Founded in 1747, it is the oldest community library still occupying its original building in the United States.[1] The original section of the building was constructed in 1750 by the architect Peter Harrison. Designed in the style of Italian Ranaissance Architect Andrea Palladio, it was the first classical public building built in America. The main facade, facing Bellevue avenue, is based upon plates in the Edward Hoppus' "Andrea Palladio's Architecture" published in 1735. The oldest section, today called the Harrison Room, still houses the majority of the original books that were purchased as a collection in London. Occupying British troops allegedly looted numerous books (many of which were later returned) prior to the Battle of Rhode Island during the American Revolution.[2] In 1932, historian and architect Norman Isham restored the eighteenth century Harrison room to what he concluded was its original appearance. The Library's modern collection now includes more than 160,000 volumes as well as a museum collection of art and artifacts.

Ezra Stiles, later president of Yale University, was one of the most prominent librarians at the Library.

[edit] References

• Paul Davis, "Abraham Redwood, Antigua and the West Indies Trade," Providence Journal, March 12, 2006
• John Williams Haley, The "Old Stone Bank" History of Rhode Island, (Providence Instituion for Savings: Rhode Island, 1944), p. 91

[edit] External links

• Redwood library

List of Athenaeums in the United States Philadelphia | Boston | La Jolla | Minneapolis | Portsmouth, NH | Providence, RI | Newport, RI | Salem, MA | Saint Johnsbury, VT | Columbia, TN | Pittsfield, MA

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