Library History Library Renovation
The Baldwin Public Library has grown and expanded in many ways since it first was established as the Library Association in 1869 in Martha Baldwin’s living room. The building today located on Merrill Street was built in 1927 and designed by Marcus Burrowes.
The original building housed 7,000 books in 1927 and today the library has over 120,000 items available for checkout.
By the 1950s the bookshelves in the Grand Hall were full. A new wing was added to the building in 1960, which was designed by Linn Smith. This addition moved the front entrance to the corner of Martin and Bates streets. Now known as the Youth Room, we expanded and renovated this part of the building in 2020.
In 1980, we added the largest wing of the library, designed by Gunnar Birkerts, and moved the entrance to Merrill Street. This controversial addition was renovated in 2017 and we added windows to bring light into the library space.
In 2024, we completed our third and final addition and renovation. We added a new street-level entrance to make the building fully accessible and we added a 2,000 square feet atrium to be used as a flexible meeting and collaboration space.
All library materials and services are included on the main level of the library. This includes our book return system, services desks, Idea Lab, adult, teen, and youth materials, Friends Bookshop, and public computers.
The entry level includes the atrium with tables and chairs for meeting and eating, plus a self service vending area.
On the second floor of the library, you will find the Jeanne Lloyd Room and the Board Room. Both of these rooms are used for library programs. These rooms can also be rented out when not used for library programs.
The second floor also features the administrative offices, including the Director’s office and Director’s alcove, which is a private space not available for public use.
The lower level includes the Rotary Donor meeting room, the Friends of the Baldwin Public Library Book Cellar, restrooms, additional vending machines, staff offices, and the staff lounge.
Library Director Rebekah Craft conducts Behind the Scenes Tours once per month. Register for an upcoming tour on our events calendar.
