Merrick Library

Balconies
stain glass
and
gargoyles
The Merrick Library was opened in 1884 with money donated by William Banister and Pliny Merrick. The land that the library sits on was donated by Nancy Felton.
The library is still a lovely and very cool place. Actually pretty small, it’s one of those old buildings that look larger from the outside because back then aesthetics were as important as volume and libraries were more than just a place to hold books.
The library definitely looks cool from the outside, with it’s peaked and slate roof, rough sandstone blocks, to the really cool gargoyle rain spouts.
The inside is also pretty amazing with intricate stain glass windows and a unique if somewhat cramped balcony. All kinds of interesting stuff inside like the original grandfather watchman clock, globe and antiques.
A wonderful library that has a feel all it’s own and typifies how libraries use to be built. A building to enjoy, admire and appreciate and not just a place to keep the books dry in the bad weather.