East Greenwich Library

Closed permanently. You might read that sign on the East Greenwich Library. But this building whispers stories. Stories of a time when this grand structure thrived. It once stood as the heart of East Greenwich. A beacon of knowledge and community. The East Greenwich Library first opened its doors 110 years ago. A generous gift from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The building itself a testament to architectural elegance. It was designed in the Neo-Classical style by Sydney R J Smith. Red brick and Portland stone dressings create a striking façade. Inside the East Greenwich Library held a wealth of knowledge. Rows and rows of books lined its shelves. A children’s library and a reference library catered to all ages. There were even mysterious stairs in the centre. Where did they lead? Sadly the East Greenwich Library fell into disrepair. Neglect set in. The building’s glory faded. Opening hours were slashed. Parts were walled off. By 2015 the East Greenwich Library finally closed its doors. Its contents moved to a new location. The building now stands empty. A poignant reminder of a cherished community hub. Yet the stories of the East Greenwich Library live on. It was more than just bricks and mortar. It was a place where dreams took flight. Where curiosity was nurtured. The East Greenwich Library might be closed but its legacy endures. The building remains a testament to a bygone era. A period when community libraries played a vital role in the lives of their patrons. Remember the East Greenwich Library. Remember its history.