Salisbury in Litchfield County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

Nation's First Public Library

Photographed By Michael Herrick, April 15, 2011

1. Nation's First Public Library Marker

Inscription. Nation's First Public Library In 1803, Caleb Bingham established in Salisbury the first library in the United States open to the public free of charge. The collection was expressly created for use by young people nine to sixteen years of age although it was used by adults as well. In 1810, the town board voted to allocate tax money toward the operation of the "Bingham Library For Youth" thereby making Salisbury the first community in America to provide tax-supported public library services.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1803.

Location. 41° 58.857′ N, 73° 25.363′ W. Marker is in Salisbury, Connecticut, in Litchfield County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Library Street, on the left when traveling south on Main Street. Located next to the entrance to the Scoville Memorial Library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 38 Main Street, Salisbury CT 06068, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Salisbury Academy (within shouting distance of this marker); Salisbury (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Burying Ground (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Salisbury Veterans Monument

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(about 400 feet away); Salisbury Soldiers' Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Central New England Railroad (approx. 0.6 miles away); In Memory of Robert Scoville, M.A. (approx. 2.8 miles away); Canaan (approx. 3½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salisbury.

The Entrance to the Scoville Memorial Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Herrick, April 15, 2011

2. The Entrance to the Scoville Memorial Library

Marker is to the left of the door

The Scoville Memorial Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Herrick, April 15, 2011

3. The Scoville Memorial Library

Built in 1894

Plaque next to the Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Herrick, April 15, 2011

4. Plaque next to the Entrance

The Chimes of the Library Clock Tower
Are Maintained by a Fund Established
In the Loving Memory of
Georgia Johnson McEver
(Jan. 20, 1947 – Dec. 24, 2000)
By Her Husband, Family and Friends

Credits. This page was last revised on November 11, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 1, 2011, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 1,201 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 1, 2011, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.