Review:

The Sturgis Library in Barnstable, Massachusetts is the oldest structure in the country that houses a public library. The original building, one of the oldest in Cape Cod, was constructed in 1644 as a home for Rev. John Lothropp, the founder of Barnstable. Reverend Lothrop used the front room of the house for public worship.

This room, now called "The Lothrop Room," has a beamed ceiling and pumpkin-colored wide-board floors, characteristic of authentic Cape Cod houses of the period. The library was organized in 1863 and has operated continuously since. In 1863, William Sturgis, a direct descendant of Reverend Lothrop, willed his former home and $15,000 in bonds, to be used as a village library. The library opened in 1867 with 1,300 books, many of which came from Sturgis’ family private library. Since then, the library collections have grown to over 65,000 volumes, with a number of special collections.

Address: Sturgis Library, 3090 Main St, Barnstable, MA 02630, Phone: 508-362-6636

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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