One hundred and eighteen! That’s how old the Lithgow Public Library is. The incredible idea that Mr. Llewellyn Lithgow had came to fruition and has served the Augusta community well. It continues to serve despite its rapidly deteriorating condition. The building has fallen into disrepair and NOW is the time to bring this building to the forefront again and keep the functionality as a positive community addition.
Day #27: Lithgow Public Library appears on the National Register of Historic Places
The library was built in 1896 and has appeared on the National Register since 1974. Restoration, renovation are required so the historic relic will be around to serve the community for years to come.
For more information regarding it’s listing on the National Register, please visit: http://nrhp.focus.nps.gov/natregsearchresult.do?fullresult=true&recordid=26
Day #28: Lithgow began like this…
What began as the Augusta Literary and Library Association on Water Street became the Lithgow Library and Reading Room when a generous bequest to the city from Llewellyn W. Lithgow allowed the Trustees to incorporate and receive the funds for the purpose of constructing a public library.
The Trustees secured two lots at the corner of Winthrop and State Streets, and thereafter solicited contributions to the building fund. Andrew Carnegie donated $9,000 on the condition that an equal amount be raised through local subscriptions, as an early version of the “matching grant.” The Building Committee selected Neal and Hopkins Architects of Pittsburgh to design the new library, and in May of 1894 the community gathered for an elaborate celebration and parade as the cornerstone was laid.
Day 29 & 30: Lithgow’s history and a hopeful future
Day 29: Mr. Lithgow passed away in 1881 and left a bequest of $20,000 to the city of Augusta for the purpose of establishing a public library. Like Andrew Carnegie, Mr. Lithgow believed that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, should have the same opportunities for “study and mental improvement.”
Day 30: About 118 years and only one addition to the original structure in 1979, Lithgow Library is once again at a crossro
ads. Constrained by inadequate space for its programs and collections, and bursting at the seams with users of all ages, the library needs the same type of vision and leadership Mr. Lithgow displayed to take it from its proud history into the future.
(photo: Lithgow Public Library, c. 1896)
Day #31: There are thousands of reasons why Lithgow Public Library needs your support. We’ve highlighted only 31. The truth is that the library needs your support now more than ever. This is OUR library, the one that the community has grown to love and that has shown its love by providing so many valuable services and programs to OUR community.
Day #31: There are thousands of reasons why Lithgow Public Library needs your support. We’ve highlighted only 31. The truth is that the library needs your support now more than ever. This is OUR library, the one that the community has grown to love and that has shown its love by providing so many valuable services and programs to OUR community.
Friends of Lithgow 