Derby Neck Library
Derby
There were 11 total Carnegie Libraries built in Connecticut. Today, only six remain as libraries. Back in the day, wealthy business magnates sometimes did cool philanthropic things like give money for libraries all over the world. Andrew Carnegie was one such rich guy, helping to build around 2,500 libraries around the world.
I think it’s worth noting the Connecticut Six. So here we are, at the corner of Hawthorne Avenue and McEvoy Court. Damian and I walked around the joint mostly because I had heard that the library contained a portrait of The Leatherman.
I didn’t find any Leatherman portrait, but they did have a puzzle to do – which struck me as something every library should have.
A Brief History of the Building
1897: A $50.00 donation was received from Wilbur F. Osborne. A library was started in the Derby Neck School (present location of children’s room).
1907: A 1,500 square foot library was completed with a $3400 donation from Andrew Carnegie plus an additional contribution from Wilbur F. Osborne and Frances Osborne Kellogg. The original library was constructed on a site adjacent to the Derby Neck School (later known as Hawthorne School).
1972: Hawthorne School was demolished allowing the library to be enlarged to 6500 square feet.
2002: An expansion project was completed enlarging the building to its present 14,950 square feet.
I like libraries. I really like cool libraries.
Derby Neck Library
Carnegie Libraries that are still Libraries in Connecticut
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