Thomas Scott Buckham Memorial Library
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| Thomas Scott Buckham Memorial Library | |
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| U.S. National Register of Historic Places | |
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| Location: | Central Ave. and Division St. Faribault, Minnesota |
| Coordinates: | Coordinates: |
| Built/Founded: | 1930 |
| Architect: | Charles Buckham |
| Architectural style(s): | Art Deco |
| Added to NRHP: | April 06, 1982 |
| NRHP Reference#: | 82003008 [1] |
| MPS: | Rice County MRA |
| Governing body: | Local |
The public library as a tax supported institution in Faribault, Minnesota, dates from 1897, when it was housed in the City Hall building. Mrs. Anna Buckham gave the Thomas Scott Buckham Memorial Library building to the City of Faribault in memory of her husband. The cornerstone was laid in September of 1929, and dedication of the building took place on July 20, 1930.
Anna Buckham chose Greece as a central theme for the library because Judge Buckham was an avid Greek scholar with a particular interest in the arts. The Greek window in the center of the original building was designed and made by Charles Connick of Boston, Massachusetts. It expresses the spirit of the Greek tradition in light and color. Mr. Connick also designed the famous Rose Window in the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York City.
On the walls of the second floor Great Hall are four Greek murals painted by Alfred J. Hyslop, a former professor of art at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. The panels depict scenes from Olympia, Athens, Sparta, and Delphi.
A major renovation project was undertaken in the early 1990’s, with a new addition to the Library connecting the building to the Community Center next door. A rededication ceremony was held on July 23, 1994. The Buckham Center concept was born, with the Faribault Senior Center, Community Center, and Buckham Memorial Library connected by inner hallways and participating in cooperative programming. The annual Hometown Holidays celebration is an example of a community event that is planned and coordinated with the entire Buckham Center participating.
Today the Library serves residents of the City of Faribault and surrounding Rice County. Books, magazines, movies, and music are available to check out. Newspapers, Internet terminals, and wireless Internet access are available for use in the building. A variety of digital resources are available via the Web site. Programming for both children and adults is provided throughout the year.
[edit] References
- ^ National Register Information System. National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service (2006-03-15).
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