History of the Aldrich:

The Aldrich Public Library, one of two in Barre, is located on a well-chosen lot across from City Park on Washington (US Route 302). Dedicated on September 22, 1908, it is part of an unusual historic district composed of five churches and city hall with its recently-restored opera house. Each of these buildings is at least a decade older than the library which was built with money from the estate of Leonard Frost Aldrich.

A native of Barre, Aldrich was a successful businessman known for his good works. Especially interested in education, he had served as trustee of Barre Academy and had helped oversee the construction of Goddard Seminary in 1869. He decided the best thing he could do for Barre was to build a library. Unfortunately, he died in 1898, ten years before the two-story building was erected.

Penn Varney of Lynn, Massachusetts was architect and William E. Jackson of Montpelier was contractor for the $39,000 Classical Revival building of gray brick. Barre granite, originally planned as the exterior stone, proved too costly, but the foundation is of granite as is the entrance with its two huge polished columns, steps, and delicately-carved frieze depicting "The Passing of the Torch of Learning."

An elaborate entryway leads to the main floor with its original oak furniture and woodwork, classical columns, and two skillfully-finished fireplaces. Above the rear book stacks is an opaque glass floor that intrigues and delights young patrons. The first floor looks much the same as when the library was first built, except for the electric lights that replaced gas fixtures, and the open stacks, originally closed off by wooden gates connected to the imposing circulation desk.

The remodeled basement contains a children's room and space for processing, storage, and kitchen purposes. In 1984, empty space was converted into a gallery on the second floor. Named in honor of George E. Milne, longtime library trustee now deceased, the room is used for meetings as well as exhibits. The upstairs also contains a museum of Barre history, and archives which include an excellent ethnic-heritage collection, considered one of the finest in Vermont.

East Barre Branch

The East Barre Branch of the Aldrich Public Library is located just beyond the junction of US Route 302 and VT Route 110 in the center of East Barre. It occupies a large room on the first floor of a 1 1/2-story Country Vernacular house painted yellow with brown trim. The rest of the building is an apartment whose rent helps support the library, a rare situation in Vermont.

Also rare is the involvement of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union in establishing a library. Starting with books from a Sunday school collection and a former reading circle, the group formed the East Barre WCTU Library Association in 1910, a time when the women considered drinking quite a problem. Their goal was to start a library to give the men something to do in their idle hours. The firemen built shelves and fixed up a reading room over the hose house. The jail was in the basement "where were lodged those men who patronized the bottle instead of the library." The library hours, 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, may have been planned with a purpose.

Money was raised by selling ice cream at Saturday night band concerts. In 1916, subscriptions in Barre and surrounding towns made possible a down payment on the present building. In 1917, after the library was incorporated, the collection was moved to the converted space and the tenant took over as librarian for a time. In 1918, WCTU member Louella Pittsley died and left $800 to the library.

In the 1940s and in 1961, money was raised and the building was improved. The name was changed twice: to Barre Town Library in 1968 when the town started appropriating money, and to the East Barre Branch in 1982. The rent arrangement, begun 75 years ago, is still in effect, but the main library provides the staff.

 (Taken from Where the Books Are by Patricia W. Belding)

Where we are in Barre, Vermont:

Aldrich Public Library is located in the heart of downtown Barre City, at the corner of Elm & Washington Streets, overlooking historic City Hall Park. Parking is available directly behind the library.

Mission Statement:

The Aldrich Public Library is committed to serving all residents of Barre City and Barre Town and welcomes all others. *The Library's purpose is: *to encourage life-long learning and enjoyment by providing, in a welcoming atmosphere, access to books, reference materials and other current sources of information; *to introduce children to the world of books and learning at an early age; and *to enhance and preserve the cultural life and heritage of the community through meetings, programs, exhibits, discussion groups and other events.

Donations:

Donated books, both new and used, are accepted throughout the year. Monetary gifts are often given in honor of birthdays and anniversaries or to honor the memory of a loved one or friend. Patrons are invited to "adopt an author," receiving first chance to read the author's latest works upon publication in return for purchasing the library's copy at cost. Historical items of local interest are welcome gifts to the archives and museum.

How is the Library Paid For?

Aldrich Library relies upon the communities of Barre City and Barre Town for approximately half our annual income. The remainder comes from the generous support of local clubs, companies, and individuals who contribute in many ways, both financial and in-kind. A small endowment supplements our revenues. NOTE: Of the ten large libraries in Vermont serving a population over 10,000, Aldrich has by far the lowest per capita support: just $6 per person. Vermont state average is $12. Your help is needed and very welcome! Contact the library at 476-7550 for more information about giving.