Gas lamps still glow in the Little Falls Public Library’s front parlor. This Victorian mansion holds a century of stories. Judge Rollin Hulbert Smith donated his home in 1910. He wanted it to become the city’s public library. His gift included his personal book collection. It also included his wife’s exquisite Anglo-American china.
The Little Falls Public Library opened its doors in January 1912. Miss Mabel E Richards was its first librarian. Her monthly salary was a modest $37.50. The library has grown since then. It now houses a vast collection of books. It also holds unique local treasures. These include the Hurley Diamond Collection. These are not actual diamonds but striking quartz crystals. The library also boasts the Edward Terry Butterfly Collection. These insects are exquisitely preserved.
Franklin Bramer built this stunning Second Empire style mansion between 1876 and 1878. He was a local inventor and businessman. He even had the city’s first telephone installed. This connected his home to his Warrior Mower Company office across the Mohawk River. Imagine the first call made from this very building.
Throughout the years the Little Falls Public Library has undergone several renovations. A two-story addition in 1982 perfectly matched the original architecture. This addition included a new entrance. It also added space for books a community room and an elevator. More recent renovations include a dedicated children’s center. The Theresa Carrig Children’s Center opened in 2020. This whimsical space encourages young readers to explore their imaginations.
Today the Little Falls Public Library continues to thrive. It remains a vital hub for the community. Step inside and explore its rich history. Discover its unique collections. You’ll experience the enduring legacy of generosity and community spirit. The library stands as a testament to the town’s rich past and vibrant present.