Bradford Public Library in Bradford, Vermont

Each library visit brings its own share of surprises, but I admit to being unprepared for what an extraordinary structure awaited me in Bradford.  The present library was erected during the "golden age" of Vermont library construction in 1895.  As stated in the address at the library's dedication, “Two sentiments dominate the day — loyalty to the nation and love of learning...."   In fact, Bradford showed an interest in libraries as far back as 1796 when it became the first town in Vermont to charter a public library.

Like Hardwick's Jeudevine Public Library, which I visited earlier, this library was designed by the great 19th century Vermont architect, Lambert Packard.  Although both library buildings are adapted from the "Richardsonian Romanesque" style, they are remarkably different inside.  In Bradford, the architectural centerpiece is the round reading room (a kind of polygon) which you can see in the exterior shot above.

Because of the light flooding in from the many windows in the reading room, it was very difficult to get an interior photograph that could fully capture the grandeur of a space which invites the visitor to pursue "a love of learning".

The focal point of this grand room is a large fireplace flanked by two lions.   Notice the built-in teacup warmers to the left of the hearth. 

As in other historic libraries I've visited, the librarians have a challenge to meet: while maintaining the integrity of a beautiful 19th century structure they must also serve a 21st century public.

For example, note the track lights tucked along the beams of the striking ceiling of the reading room. 

 

The librarians at the Bradford Public Library do an outstanding job of marketing the library collection to the public.  Displays can be difficult to position in a building such as this, but they are prominent and well thought-out.  For example, on a table in front of the shelf of "patron picks" is a do-it-yourself coffee-maker.  Because the display, of necessity, was tucked into a corner, the librarians used the presence of a coffee machine to draw attention to it!

Another challenge presented by the 19th century architecture was the mezzanine, which now houses the library's non-fiction collection.  Because the librarians found that people did not realize that they were able to go upstairs, they posted multi-colored signs directly underneath the balcony and behind the main desk to draw attention to the subjects which could be found in the upstairs collection.

Here's a view of the mezzanine above the desk.

Like the nearby Blake Memorial Library in East Corinth, the Bradford Library moved its children's area downstairs in order to give its collection more space to grow.  In this large space, the walls were painted in brilliant, cheerful hues.

In one section of the children's area there is a large post which supports the reading room above it.  This has been boxed in and the  surfaces display children's artwork.  In yet another example of how one can turn a potentially disruptive architectural feature into an asset, seating and storage have been built in around the post.

I want to end my visit by thanking Library Co-Director, Debra Tinkham, for the top-to-bottom tour of this architectural treasure.  I was impressed by her energy and good ideas and want to congratulate her and her Co-Director Gail LaVaude, for making this such a vibrant community library.  It is well worth a visit.