Newton Centre Branch Library for Sale?
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Lisa
Oct 4, 2012, 2:00:57 PM10/4/12
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Hi All,
It has come to our attention that the former Newton Centre Branch Library* may soon be vacant. A committee that met over the summer to discuss reuse of the building nowappears to be about to recommend selling it.
Newton Centre could really use a place to hold public meetings, have activities for families with young children, and a general community center. If you haven’t stopped by Waban’s library—go have a look—it is incredible. Why shouldn’t Newton Centre also have something for our community?
Newton Centre could really use a place to hold public meetings, have activities for families with young children, and a general community center. If you haven’t stopped by Waban’s library—go have a look—it is incredible. Why shouldn’t Newton Centre also have something for our community?
The former Newton Centre library was built with private funds for the Citizens of Newton Centre—there is a beautiful plaque above the inside entrance way with this dedication on it. It would be a shame and a big
loss for the city and for our residents for it be sold off and no longer accessible to the public. Aside from a community center there are many public uses for this building that could benefit our community.
If you are interested in learning more. Please send an email to:
Carol Summers – casu...@verizon.net
loss for the city and for our residents for it be sold off and no longer accessible to the public. Aside from a community center there are many public uses for this building that could benefit our community.
If you are interested in learning more. Please send an email to:
Carol Summers – casu...@verizon.net
or
Lisa Gordon – li...@kdgordon.com
or call: (617) 444-9031 and leave a message. One of us will get right back to you.
or call: (617) 444-9031 and leave a message. One of us will get right back to you.
===
*BACKGROUND: The Newton Centre Branch Library, built in 1927, is one of five branch libraries funded and built exclusively by a group of residents from Newton Centre. It was a gift to the city from the 2,300 citizens who raised the funds, hired the architect and builder, and provided books and furniture. Their intent was to provide a space located right in the village of Newton Centre for a reading room, childrens programs, lectures, classes and other community activities and it served this purpose well for many years.
Located at 1294 Centre Street, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and would qualify for Newton Landmark status according to the Newton Historical Commission.
It was designed by notable Boston architect James H. Ritchie of Ritchie, Parsons and Taylor (who also lived in Newton). Ritchie designed the many notable buildings in Massachusetts and throughout the Northeast. It is a beautiful Tudor Revival building and is part of an important civic movement.
The library was closed in 1990 due to budget cuts and has been occupied ever since by the Newton Health Department, which is now considering a move to City Hall. Although the city has allowed it to deteriorate significantly, the building could be restored to its original dignity and purpose if there are people who are interested in seeing that happen.
*BACKGROUND: The Newton Centre Branch Library, built in 1927, is one of five branch libraries funded and built exclusively by a group of residents from Newton Centre. It was a gift to the city from the 2,300 citizens who raised the funds, hired the architect and builder, and provided books and furniture. Their intent was to provide a space located right in the village of Newton Centre for a reading room, childrens programs, lectures, classes and other community activities and it served this purpose well for many years.
Located at 1294 Centre Street, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and would qualify for Newton Landmark status according to the Newton Historical Commission.
It was designed by notable Boston architect James H. Ritchie of Ritchie, Parsons and Taylor (who also lived in Newton). Ritchie designed the many notable buildings in Massachusetts and throughout the Northeast. It is a beautiful Tudor Revival building and is part of an important civic movement.
The library was closed in 1990 due to budget cuts and has been occupied ever since by the Newton Health Department, which is now considering a move to City Hall. Although the city has allowed it to deteriorate significantly, the building could be restored to its original dignity and purpose if there are people who are interested in seeing that happen.
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