More than Books: Libraries, Community & Historic Preservation This program traces almost 200 years in American library practice with a special focus on New England and its many municipal, historic and specialty research libraries. As a museum scholar, preservationist and photographer, Bill Hosley has visited hundreds of libraries. Hosley is fascinated by the architectural grandeur, mission and eloquence of the libraries built during the first wave of library formation from the 1870s-1920s. “At a time when few communities had art museums, historical societies, or other ways of preserving civic treasures,” Hosley notes, “these libraries did it all – one stop shopping for cultural enrichment, preservation, community memory and – of course – books and reading.” The program illustrates and discusses dozens of libraries, in Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts and beyond – plus specialty libraries. It also speaks to changes in mission and practice of libraries today and how their role as “third places” benefits from the quality of ambience and place so apparent in historic libraries. This armchair tour and discussion of library history reminds us of the richness of our heritage and the commitment of our communities to life-learning and access to ideas. For long version public program, contact Bill Hosley at wnhosley@sbnet.net

1. More than Books: Libraries, Community & Historic Preservation

3. Hardwick, Vermont Orford, New Hampshire

8. Bethel, CT Library Farmington, CT Library Hampton, CT Library Columbia, CT Library

9. Libraries as Art in Architecture Origins of the Movement Bannister Memorial, Brookfield, MA Clapp Memorial, Belchertown, MA

10. David Hunt Library, Falls Village, CT

11. Ansonia North Granby Jewett City

12. Henry Havens Memorial Library, New London

14. Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

15. Blackstone Memorial Library, interior

19. Bixby Memorial Library, Vergennes, VT