Thomas Scott Buckham Memorial Library
The Thomas Scott Buckham Memorial Library is a historic library in Faribault, Minnesota, United States.
Thomas Scott Buckham Memorial Library | |
![]() The Buckham Memorial Library from the north | |
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Location | Central Ave. and Division St. Faribault, Minnesota |
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Coordinates | 44°17′23.95″N 93°16′4.02″W |
Built | 1930 |
Architect | Charles Buckham |
Architectural style | Art Deco |
MPS | Rice County MRA |
NRHP reference No. | 82003008 [1] |
Added to NRHP | April 6, 1982 |
Collection | |
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Size | 106,878 |
Access and use | |
Circulation | 245,961 |
Population served | 18,615 |
Other information | |
Budget | $844,986 |
Director | Delane James |
Map | |
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History
The public library as a tax-supported institution in Faribault 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 1929, and dedication of the building took place on July 20, 1930.
Architecture
The library's architecture is centralized around Greek themes. This was because Mr. Buckham was an avid reader and scholar of Greek literature. A Greek window made by Charles Jay Connick of Boston and on the facade of the original building. Additionally, a Greek mural depicting scenes from Athens, Sparta, Delphi, and Olympia can be found on the second floor. The mural was painted by Alfred J. Hyslop.[2]
References
- "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 15, 2006.
- City of Faribault. "Facts about Buckham Memorial Library." <http://www.ci.faribault.mn.us/assets/f/factsaboutthelibrary.pdf>