These Upstate New York Libraries Have Quite a Story to Tell!

The libraries of Upstate New York have amazing stories to them.  This gallery looks at a selection of smaller libraries.  But each one has a great tale to tell.

In this post we look at some stunning architectural gems, some hidden museums that can be found in some of the libraries, the people who started each of the libraries (one guy from a small town ended up becoming the first mayor of the city of Chicago!  The library in rural Delaware County is named for him), and of course we look at two of the many amazing Carnegie Libraries.

As you read each story, remember that most of these libraries were built when public libraries, especially in rural America, were still a rare commodity.  So when a magnificent, elegantly designed library was built, say in 1890, it was a big deal for the town.  A really big deal.

You will see a stunning piece of eye candy made out of natural bluestone in one town.  You will see the smallest library in New York State in Lake George.  You will see a library that has one of the largest private collections of clocks on display.  You will see a library that played a key part in the creation of one of the most beloved young adult books of the 1950s-1960s. You will see a bucket list library that is the largest private library dedicated to the examination of spiritualism in the world.  And how about a library financed by the founder of the most popular baby food and chewing gum of its day?

If you know of a remarkable small library with an amazing back story to it, let us know over on our Facebook page.