Ramsdell Library was deeded to the inhabitants of Great Barrington to ‘forever hold, support and maintain the property’ by the family of Theodore Ramsdell, who was the President of the iconic Monument Mills.
Ramsdell is the only building owned by the Town to be on the National Register of Historic Places. Ramsdell is acknowledged to be a particularly fine example of Classical revival architecture, featuring elements like Ionic columns, extensive intricate woodwork, and a dramatic pediment.
The library was designed by the Boston architectural firm McLean & Wright and opened in 1908. (There is also a “sister library,” the West Branch library in Somerville MA that was designed by the same firm, whose renovation in 2021 was also partly financed by a MA Board of Library Commissioners grant.)
Ramsdell’s “sister” library: West Branch Library in Somerville, was designed by the same Boston architects, MCLean & Wright.
The potential uses of Ramsdell can be reimagined by seeing what the “sister library” has done, winning the same MBLC building grant and completed in 2021.
While the architectural features are evident, the heating, lighting, technology, is patchwork and operationally expensive at best. Insulation and repairs are needed. The single non-ADA restroom door impedes the opening of the front door.
See next slide for the comparison.
Renovated with new electrical and heating systems, high speed technology, efficient insulated windows, improved lighting, mobile shelving units. An elevator provides access to all three floors and ADA restrooms were added.
The second floor is not usable for the public, lacking ADA access/elevator. The floor is stacked with files and furniture. The skylight has long been covered because of leaks. There is no restroom. This floor, was originally known as the “Great Hall” includes the original stage.
See next slide to reimagine the second floor with repaired skylights, modern heating and insulation, flexible use for children of all ages, and dramatic arts performances
The second floor is fully usable. The repaired skylight complements modern lighting to brighten the space. ADA bathrooms have been installed. The open space has library shelves on wheels,enabling flexible use of the second floor.
This is a partially finished lower floor. There are small windows much like the West Branch Library. The floor is used for storage and utilities, including 3-500 gal. oil tanks.
See next slide to re-imagine the lower floor’s possibilities.
The lower floor of West Branch’s library is used for stacks, project space, conference and study rooms. The availability of windows, like Ramsdell, in conjunction with modern lighting, provides an inviting space.
*Images courtesy of DesignLabs
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.
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