City Library - Springfield, MA
Posted by: 
neoc1
N 42° 06.198 W 072° 35.072
18T E 699725 N 4664069
Andrew Carnegie was the major donor for the construction of the Springfield, MA main library located at 220 State Street.
Waymark Code: WMHF28
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 07/03/2013
Views: 3
"FOOT TOUR — 1.5 m.
12. The City Library (open weekdays 9-9; Sun. 2-6), erected in 1912, is built of Vermont marble in the Italian Renaissance style; it was designed by Edward L. Tilton. Open stacks give patrons direct access to the books.."
--- Massachusetts; a guide to its places and people. Page 363; copyright 1937
The Springfield City Library is an exceptionally beautiful building designed by Edward L. Tilton and located on 220 State Street in Springfield, MA. Construction began on April 1, 1909 at a cost of $240,000 with funds from Andrew Carnegie funds and $155,000 in contributions from the citizens of Springfield. On January 10 1912, the Italian Renaissance Revival style building opened to the public. The library was constructed of reinforced concrete, a pink granite base, surrounded by white Vermont marble and finished with a green tile roof. A frieze of white terra cotta completely encircles the building.
The Rotunda located in the center court has Corinthian columns, balustrade, elaborate architectural details and amber-tinted glass dome and a bronze bust of Andrew Carnegie. A frieze of horses and riders inspired by bas-relief ornamentation of the Parthenon enhances the entry leading to the Rotunda from State Street.
In 1974 the Central Library was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1998 the Rotunda was restored to its original elegance with a matching grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission. The building is on the State Historic Register and is part of the Quadrangle- Mattoon Historic District in the City of Springfield.