Lynn Public Library
Also known as: state survey no.:530
Why it's listed
Lynn's main public library sits at the corner of North Common and Franklin Streets. Designed by architect George A. Moore and built between 1898 and 1900, it is a two and one-half story Renaissance Revival building faced in limestone on a granite plinth, with a two-story Corinthian portico, paired Corinthian pilasters, a modillioned cornice and a solid parapet. Inside, a twelve-sided court rises from a limestone arcade to a colonnade and coffered dome, and the main reading room holds a mural by F. Luis Mora painted in 1898. The library grew from a Social Library organized in 1815 and became a free public library in 1862. A bequest from Elizabeth Shute, left in 1893 as a memorial to her husband William, along with private subscriptions, paid for the $175,000 building. The choice of Moore sparked public controversy. It has served as the city's main library since 1900 and is valued as an intact landmark.
Significance in brief: The nomination calls it the city's most elaborate example of Renaissance Revival architecture, a prominent local landmark that retains integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship and association. Its exterior is unaltered except for replaced front doors, and its interior includes a twelve-sided court and a 1898 mural by F. Luis Mora. It also reflects the history of Lynn's public library, funded by a bequest and private subscription.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 79000334, listed August 21, 1979. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 5 N. Common St., Lynn |
|---|---|
| County | Essex County |
| Listed | August 21, 1979 |
| Reference number | 79000334 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1898-1900 |
| Architect / builder | George A. Moore |
| Architectural style | Renaissance Revival |
| Areas of significance | Community Planning and Development, Education, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Occupied and in use as the city's main library since its dedication in April 1900; exterior unaltered apart from replaced front doors. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Within district | Lynn Common Historic District |
| Coordinates | 42.46444, -70.95360 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For a publicly owned building or structure, listing mainly matters when federal funds, permits or licences are involved: projects then go through Section 106 review so effects on the property are considered. Listing also strengthens applications for preservation grants and, for leased income-producing uses, can enable the federal rehabilitation tax credit.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 79000334.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q14715686
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.