This collage includes photos of Cary Memorial Library in its three incarnations. First opened to the public in 1869, the library was possible in large part due to a generous donation of $1,000 from Maria Hastings Cary. An initial collection of 1,200 books grew quickly through donations, and the library was so popular that an East Lexington branch was opened in 1883. By 1906, the main branch moved to a new building at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Clarke Street, which remains its location today, and was re-named the Cary Memorial Library in honor of William Harris Cary and Maria Hastings Cary’s support and contributions to the library. By 1960, the collection had expanded to over 400,000 books and the library had transcended its original purpose to serve as a multi-faceted community and cultural space, playing host to art exhibitions, film screenings, musical programs and club meetings. By the mid-1990s, renovation and expansion were clearly needed and the current incarnation of Cary Memorial Library opened in 2004, combining carefully preserved historic spaces with up-to-date technology and library services.
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