The Public Library
Carnegie Building
A Designated Historical Building
100 year Anniversary of it's opening in 2014
Working to Restore this local landmark
Built in 1914 and used continuously for 91 years from November 1914 to November 12th 2005 as the Publlic Library for the Town of Essex
The Carnegie Building remained vacant from that time until November 12th 2007 when hte President of ECHRS, Linda Iler, was presented with the keys by the Town of Essex.
NOW the hard work begins.
Led by our President and small group of members the cleaning was started. The lower floor first.
Before moving into the main floor the carpet that was over the hardwood floor was removed and the group took on the refinishing job. Not an easy undertaking but an important first step in the direction to restore and preserve the Carnegie Library Building.
Any help or donations would be most appreciated. Occupyiing and restoring this building will be costly for this new organization.
Some of the items on our ever growing
WISH LIST
- Any photographs of the interior or exterior of the building in it's early years
- Any personal knowledge of the library appearance, colour, decorations, photos, plaques.
- Any original items from the early Library years.
- We are missing some of the iron floor grates which we would like replaced.
- Any 1914 era furniture - library tables, librarian's desk.
- Any documents regardiing the building of the Library, plans, building list, costs.
- woodwork, doors will need to be stripped and refinished in the original stain colour.
- Outside trim and painted areas repaired where necessary and painted (original colours)
- brick work repairs
- Window repairs, restoration to original design, storm windows.
- Essex County natural garden, path, benches, flag pole.
- An elevator/lift for easy access for all.