Summary
Organization name
Spalding Memorial Library
Tax id (EIN)
24-0813436
Address
724 South Main StreetAthens, PA 18810
The
original building was built in 1897 by Jesse Spalding in loving memory
of his son, Robert L. Spalding 1872 to 1895, as a gift to the
inhabitants of Athens Township.
The cost of the construction at
that time was close to $25,000. Mr. Spalding was born in Bradford
County, PA and educated at the Athens Academy. The Academy was located
on the lot across the street from the library on South Main Street. He
became a very successful lumberman and businessman in Chicago, IL. On
March 12, 1897, it was announced that Mr. Spalding had promised to erect
a fireproof building for the use of the Tioga Point Historical Society
and also for a public library. On August 11, 1897, the cornerstone was
laid and on June 8, 1898, the completed building was formally dedicated.
The building stands on a narrow strip of land between the
Susquehanna and Chemung Rivers which was part of the Alonquin Indian
territory. It also was the location of the fort built by General
Sullivan during his campaign against the western Indians in 1779.
The
building is a stately looking brick structure with antique stone
trimmings. It is “of the colonial style of architecture and has a
handsome portico supported by four magnificent Ionic Columns. A. H. Kipp
of Wilkes-Barre was the architect.”
Thirty years later, on March
1, 1928, the building reopened after a new addition and thorough repairs
were completed. The Spalding heirs gave the money for the addition and
renovation with the stipulation that the town take over the maintenance
of the building. To do that, there was a special election in Athens in
April 1927 to enact a 1 mill tax, thus funding their responsibility for
the library.
A few years later, Mrs. Jesse Spalding Langdon
bequeathed $50,000 to the library in the form of a blind trust. The
income from the trust was to go for the support of the library and
continues today.
On September 11, 1999, the Lina Burns Elevator
Tower was dedicated. The elevator provides handicapped access to the
library and museum. Mrs. Burns was a teacher in the Athens School
District for many years. She served on the library Board of Trustees for
many years and as its president. A bequest from her estate and a
Community Development Block Grant made the addition possible.
The
building has seen three different centuries. It has undergone many
changes and continues to change and adapt as it goes forward into the
21st century.
We welcome almost 30,000 visitors annually, and circulate over 35,000 items from the library plus over 6,000 ebooks. We host nearly 400 events for children each year! We also host an Annual Senior Series which highlights topics of interest for anyone aged 55+. We have a Gaming Club, a D&D Group, and Book Clubs for almost everyone! Stop in for a visit and enjoy our scenic grounds and beautiful historic building. We are here to help with all your reading, research, and entertainment needs.
Organization name
Spalding Memorial Library
Tax id (EIN)
24-0813436
Address
724 South Main Street