Redwood Library and Athenæum, Newport, Rhode Island
Posted by: 
hykesj
N 41° 29.176 W 071° 18.531
19T E 307249 N 4595312
The Redwood Library in Newport, RI is the oldest book lending library in the United States that is still housed in its original building.
Waymark Code: WMFXQQ
Location: Rhode Island, United States
Date Posted: 12/14/2012
Views: 9
This postal card was issued in 1999 on the 250th anniversary of the Redwood Library in Newport, RI. I'm not exactly sure which anniversary though. The library was chartered in 1747 which makes 1999 a couple of years too late. The building was designed in 1748 and first opened in 1750, which makes 1999 about a year early. Well, when you're talking about two and a half centuries, what's a year here or there?
The library was founded by Abraham Redwood along with 45 of his friends and associates as the Company of the Redwood Library in 1747. (The "and Athenæum" part was added in 1833.) The original collection consisted of 751 titles. Though not a "free" library, it was nevertheless open to the public and remains so to this day.
The architect Peter Harrison designed the original building in a classical style with a portico and wings. The original building consisted of only one room but has undergone several expansions over the years. The stamp design was based on a 1936 postcard.
Stamp Issuing Country: United States
Date of Issue: 1999
Denomination: 20 cents
Color: red and black
Stamp Type: Single Stamp
Relevant Web Site: Not listed
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