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Thomas Crane Public Library

Introduction

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The Thomas Crane Public Library was built in 1882. This historic library was established by the Crane family in memory of patriarch Thomas Crane, a wealthy New York dealer in Quincy Granite. The library is notable both for its collection and its architecture.

Images

  • Thomas Crane Public Library - Front view of the original part of the building, designed by Architect H. H. Richardson in 1882. Image by Daderot (Transfered by Arch2all) - Original uploaded on en.wikipedia. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia.
  • Side view, showing 1908 extension to the rear.Image by Daderot at en.wikipedia . Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
  • Interior view of theH. H. Richardson building. Image by Daderot at en.wikipedia . Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
  • Interior with original details by Richardson.Image by Daderot at en.wikipedia . Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
  • Interior view of 1908 addition by Aiken.Image by Daderot at en.wikipedia. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Backstory and Context

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The Thomas Crane Public Library was designed in four stages. The original building was designed by architect   Henry Hobson Richardson and the additional ell with stack space and stained glass were added to the building in 1908, by William Martin Aiken. H.H. Richardson was prominent American architect. Richardsonian Romanesque style of Romanesque Revival architecture was named after him.

In 1939 the library was significantly expanded by architects Paul A. and Carroll Coletti, with stone carvings by sculptor Joseph A. Coletti of Quincy. The most recent extension from the 2001 by the Boston architects Childs, Bertman, and Tseckares, doubled the library’s size.  

The museum today has three  branches, Adams Shore Library, North Quincy Branch and Wollaston Branch Library. 

Sources

http://pdfhost.focus.nps.gov/docs/NHLS/Text/72000143.pdf

Additional Information