The Howland Cultural Center is the former site of the Howland Library. Built in 1872, the Howland Library loaned books from this historic building for over 100 years. By 1976, the library needed a new home for its growing collection and new services and moved to its current location at 313 Main Street.
How did a group of concerned citizens restore a hundred year old building and revitalize a neighborhood?
When the Howland Cultural Center took over the Howland Library building in 1976, it was clear that nobody would come to its programs if something was not done to turn the surrounding boarded-up buildings into thriving businesses.
Listen to Beacon resident Craig Wolf in "Revitalizing the East End of Main Street".
The Howland Library was originally a subscription library. Beacon resident Betty Carey remembers the thrill when her Grandmother finally bought her a library card. Can you guess how much it cost her Grandmother?
Money Matters
The Howland Library began as a subscription library - individuals paid to borrow books. Today it is a School District Library. Beacon resident Craig Wolf describes the different ways the library has been supported.
Photo of the old Howland Library with Christmas decorations. Notice the books on the balcony. When the library opened in 1872, it contained 2,184 books. By 1892 the collection had grown to 5000 volumes and the second floor gallery was built.
Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, the two-story Norwegian style building is an architectual jewel. Beacon resident Craig Wolf describes the buildings unique features including how the black brick was made.
