MAGNOLIA LIBRARY CENTER HISTORY

The Magnolia Library Association was founded by five summer residents on November 11, 1886 at the Lincoln Bank in Boston. The Board voted to raise money by selling shares. They were able to open the library the following spring in the former Union Chapel on the corner of Flume Rd. and Field Rd. Miss Alice Story was hired to be the new librarian. The library would be open two days a week year round.
In 1888, the board bought a piece of property at the corner of Lexington Ave. and Norman Ave., hired Charles Cummings, renowned Boston architect, to design and build a building with a library, reading room, and a hall for community activity. The corner stone was laid in 1890 and the building opened with the spring season in 1891.
By 1968, the building was beginning to show its age and the library board voted to go in a new direction. The library became a non-profit and changed its name to the Magnolia Library Center Inc. In 1970, a mortgage was taken and the building underwent a complete renovation on the same footprint. The John Benotti Library and the Charles Jones hall are on the first floor. On the second floor are the library office, Edward C. Richardson suite, and the Frances Hines room of the Magnolia Historical Museum.
Again it is time to restore the building. Already the board has replaced windows, lighting, added a dropped ceiling, air conditioning, electric, stoves, flooring in the kitchen and Jones Hall.
The Magnolia Historical Society has undergone renovations of their museum and had to make some changes in the Richardson Suite by replacing some of the lighting. They added a second story storage area above the ceiling in the museum.New rugs were placed in the library, foyer, and Richardson suite.
There is a lot a work to be done. The foyer area needs to be replaced and the restrooms need to be upgraded and made handicapped accessible. New doors need to be put in all around the building. The outside second floor stairs and landing need to be replaced. The outside of the building needs carpentry work, a good scraping and coat of paint. It will take a lot of money to make all the necessary repairs. If you would like to help the library come back as the community center in Magnolia please send your tax deductible donation to the Magnolia Library Center, Inc. P.O. Box 5552 Magnolia Mass. 01930. Mark the donation and the envelope Building Fund.
The Magnolia Library is a non-profit library under the Mass. Gen. Law 501-C3 and is run by its volunteers and members.

THANK YOU
Author Judy Ann Gilliss

                      

We would like to thank all who came by to help repainting the Library

Painting Pictures

We would like to thank all who came by to help make the grounds
of the Library look like Spring.
A great big thanks to Wolf Hill for donating the mulch.

                      

The Taste of Magnolia

Nov 18,2011/ 7pm-9:30pm
Cape Ann resturaunts, wine, Ryan and Wood Distillers, Cape Ann Brewery. Live Auction with Bruce Tarr. Lots of raffle items. Live demo with Christian Collins. Tickets available at the Magnolia Library 978-525-3343, Extreme Trucking and Auto 14 Kondelin Rd. Gloucester, Donna 978-525-3132.

                      

July Art Show Peoples Choice Awards

35th Annual Road Race Sept 1st, 2011

Annual Road Race