The Oswego Public Library

The Oswego Public Library. A Free Library for All People. , A Rare Architectural Style , This library building is a rare example of the Norman Revival style, a style popular for only a short period that used design elements copied from classic Roman buildings. It was built at a time when public library buildings were just beginning to be celebrated as statements of civic pride and not just utilitarian structures. , From the Ashes , It was the great fire of 1853 that prompted Smith to found the library. The fire leveled most of the east side of Oswego and cleared the way for a new round of construction that would reflect the new prosperity of the growing city., This building is a Designated Historic Landmark by the Heritage Foundation of Oswego, and it is on the National Register of Historic Places., Oswego Public Library Building , Oswego Library is believed to be the oldest public library in continuous use in its original building in the United States., The Free Library Movement , This library is one of the few surviving structures built at the start of the free library movement. Libraries were mostly private collections before education reformers like Gerrit Smith started a movement to allow everyone access to books, free of charge., Founder Gerrit Smith 1797-1874 , Gerrit Smith's personal commitment to education reform and the abolition movement resulted in his most generous act, founding the Oswego Public Library, and donating a large sum of money for construction of this building. Smith required, as conditions for his gift, that the library be free and open to all regardless of race, gender, or status., Library Timeline , - 2006 Major renovation begins. , - 1971 Library listed on National Register of Historic Places., - 1962 Architecture professor Harley McKee advocates preservation of the library building based on architectural merit., - 1857 Library opens to the public, - 1856 Library construction completed., - 1853 Great fire burns large area on east side. , -1852 Gerrit Smith writes letter to eight city leaders advocating a new public library, - 1852 Oswego's public library movement begins., Cultural Heritage , Many institutions were founded by philanthropists along the Seaway Trail., Seaway Trail, Inc. , Corner Ray and West Main St. , Sackets Harbor, NY 13685 , www.seawaytrail.com, This exhibit made possible by a grant from FHWA to Seaway Trail, Inc.