The Great Barrington Library Fund (GBLF) was founded in 2024 to help raise funds for our libraries, spurred by the critical need to renovate Ramsdell Library in the hamlet of Housatonic within the town of Great Barrington. The Ramsdell was a gift of Theodore Ramsdell, who was president of Monument Mills. It was built in 1906 and designed by Boston architects McLean & Wright and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.
The Great Barrington Library Board of Trustees and its supporters applied for the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) grant to renovate Ramsdell. If awarded, it will fund a large portion of the project. The remaining funds will come from the Town and other sources—like the GBLF!
The Fund was founded as a MA non-profit corporation. Sharon Gregory serves as president and executive director for this small, all-volunteer board. GBLF will apply to foundations and government grants as well as appeal to individuals for support funds. In this way, we will bolster building plans for our libraries, which are critical to community programs and educational resources that our libraries provide.
Built In 1910, Ramsdell library was deeded in 1908 to the inhabitants of Great Barrington to “forever hold, support and maintain the property hereby conveyed as a free public library by T. Ellis Ramsdell.”
This historic building stands on the site of the first house built in Housatonic in 1804 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.
Designed by Blanchard & Barnes of New York and built in 1913, the Mason Library was made possible by a bequest of Mary A. Mason of in memory of her husband, Henry Hobart Mason.
Mrs. Mason left $50,000 to build and furnish a new library, to replace one in a clapboard house previously on the site. Mrs. Mason summered in Great Barrington and is buried there.
The library was rededicated in April 2007 after extensive renovations that doubled its size and made it handicapped accessible.
Join us in enriching our community—donate today to support our local library and help us provide essential upgrades, programs, and opportunities for everyone!
Important updates would ensure structural integrity and adherence to modern building codes.
Updating and extending our program offering to cater to a larger audience.
Making changes to our layout and incorporating new designs to make the library fully accessible.
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