Springfield Central Library: An Architectural & Historical Walking Tour

Join us for an all-access, interior and exterior tour of the Springfield Central Library building at 220 State Street! This 1912 building, funded by Andrew Carnegie and the citizens of Springfield, is an important part of the downtown Springfield landscape and a contributor to the Quadrangle–Mattoon Street Historic District.

The tour is part of the Second Saturday Walking Tour series and will feature a full tour of the building interior, including the fourth floor, historical insights while circling the building’s exterior, and a brief history on the development of the Quadrangle. Along the tour, you’ll gain knowledge of the history of libraries in Springfield and the architecture of the Central Library building. Additionally, the tour will showcase how historical buildings adapt to modern usage. Included on the tour is an up-close look at the Rotunda which features open books and the bust of Athena.

This walking tour departs from the Library’s Rotunda at 10:30am and ends at 12:00pm. The tour is $5 for Springfield Preservation Trust and Springfield Museums members and $10 for non-members, payable in advance on Eventbrite.

The Second Saturday Walking Tour series is co-presented by the Springfield Preservation Trust and Springfield Museums and is generously sponsored by the Springfield Cultural Council and Mass Cultural Council.

About the Tour Guide

Maggie Keane (she/her) is a reference librarian at the Springfield City Library. Growing up in Holyoke, she has always been interested in local history from hearing family stories about Mountain Park to going to museums in the area. Nowadays you can find her at the Springfield Central Library running programs, helping folks with local history requests, and spouting fun facts about the building to all those interested.

About the Springfield Preservation Trust

Founded in 1972, the Springfield Preservation Trust strives to preserve and protect properties in Springfield that have architectural or historic significance. As the only non-profit, non-government advocacy group for historic preservation in Springfield, the Trust will continue to be the voice of preservation into the future. Learn more at springfieldpreservation.org.

Host or Publisher Springfield Preservation Trust