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framed with medallions and cords. Beyond the doors is the rotunda, the central feature of the building. The rotunda is paved with marble mosaic floor tiles that were designed in Paris for the library. At the top of the rotunda is the dome, embellished with large paintings that illustrate the history of book making. The 6' x 9' paintings were done by
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charge, as well as free wireless internet access. It offers many programs and events to the public, including lectures, movies, plays and musical recitals. The
Associate Librarian for Reference, Barbara Cangiano, was the 2004 recipient of the New York Times Librarian Award for her outstanding service.
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At the main entrance to the library are two bronze doors, each weighing nearly 2,000 pounds. The doors were designed by
William Fitzroy Smith. They feature two lion's paws resting on mother earth and at the top is a small ram's head. An owl symbolizes human wisdom. The center forms a torch which is
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Timothy directed that his endowment be used to build the library in the name of his father, James
Blackstone. James, a Branford native, had been a farmer and a captain in the Connecticut Militia, as well as an honored community leader. The town followed Timothy's directions, but after his death
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As of 2011, the library houses approximately 80,000 volumes (circulating over twice that many annually), and provides access to thousands of eBooks and audiobooks. The library serves a population of more than 29,000 residents. The library is home to a number of public computers to use free of
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There is a small meeting room, the Lucy Hammer room, as well as an auditorium in the library available for use by the public. Meetings, lectures, movies and weddings are held here. The library also has a
Friends group that works to support the library through a variety of fundraising events.
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In 1890, the need for a public library in
Branford was identified and a committee was formed to solicit funds. The committee reached out to Timothy Blackstone, who was born in Branford but had since moved to Chicago, where he was the president of the
146:. Timothy was the son of James Blackstone, who was born in Branford in 1793 and died there in 1886. The library cost $ 300,000 to build, contributed by Timothy. He also provided the library with an additional endowment of $ 300,000.
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in
Chicago, which is part of the Chicago Public Library System, and was named after Timothy Blackstone. This library was also designed by Solon Spencer Beman.
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177:, a Chicago painter. There are also eight medallion portraits of New England authors between the arches in the center of the second floor. The authors are:
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Work on the
Blackstone Library began in 1893 under the direction of Solon Spencer Beman, a Chicago architect. He designed the library in the
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The first librarian was Arthur W. Tyler who held the position from 1896 to 1898. When it opened, the library contained 6,000 books.
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Although the library receives funds from the town of
Branford, it is a private entity governed by a board of trustees.
118:. Construction on the building began in 1893 and was completed in 1896. The building was dedicated on June 17, 1896.
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110:. It is commonly referred to as the Blackstone Library or the Branford Library. The library was commissioned by
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Peterson, Leona (June 7, 1971). "Branford's
Blackstone Library Celebrating 75th Year".
169:. The library took nearly three years to complete, and was dedicated on June 17, 1896.
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as a memorial to his father, James
Blackstone. It was designed by Chicago architect
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decided to cement a plaque with Timothy's name at the main entrance.
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The Shoreliner, in cooperation with the Branford Chamber of Commerce
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165:. The exterior of the building, including the dome, is entirely of
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The James Blackstone Memorial Library: An Architectural Tour
386:"27 Librarians Named Winners of 2004 New York Times Awards"
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James Blackstone Memorial Library, photo by Alaina Driscoll
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492:Buildings and structures in Branford, Connecticut
299:. Branford CT: James Blackstone Memorial Library.
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261:Committee, 350th Commemorative Album (1994).
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412:"James Blackstone Memorial Library website"
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507:Libraries in New Haven County, Connecticut
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310:"Blackstone Library Expansion Weighed".
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359:"James Blackstone Memorial Library"
157:style with details taken from the
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502:Public libraries in Connecticut
343:"Blackstone Memorial Library".
263:Branford: A Commemorative Album
106:is a public library located in
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365:. Library Technology Guides
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440:Blackstone Library Website
363:Library Technology website
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167:Tennessee Pink marble
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183:James Russell Lowell
155:Neoclassical Revival
71:Construction started
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199:Nathaniel Hawthorne
116:Solon Spencer Beman
40:General information
330:New Haven Register
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112:Timothy Blackstone
392:. Library Journal
384:Library Journal.
314:. August 2, 1964.
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481:Categories
454:72°48′54″W
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248:References
159:Erechtheum
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163:Acropolis
79:Completed
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421:18 July
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Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Additional terms may apply.
