Old Public Library
Also known as: Lawrence Public Library
Why it's listed
Built between 1890 and 1892 at a cost of $50,000, this brownstone library at 190 Hampshire Street in Lawrence gave the city's free public library its first home of its own. The library had existed since 1872. Funds came from Mrs. Nathaniel G. White and her daughter Elizabeth White, and the land came from the former Judge Daniel Appleton White tract. Architect George G. Adams designed it in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, with rough-faced reddish brownstone, light sandstone and granite trim, slate roofs and a 75-foot octagonal entrance tower. The northern section is noted for its monumental rooms, woodwork and carved exterior details. A 1902 wing was demolished in 1969, and a temporary shingled wall closes the southeast end. The building served as the library until a new structure opened in 1973. At the time of listing it stood vacant, with hopes that it would become a cultural center. It is regarded as the best example of its style in Lawrence.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the building is a fine example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture and one of the best works of Lawrence architect George G. Adams. It was also an important cultural institution in Lawrence while in use as the city's library, and it was the first permanent home of the free public library established in 1872.
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 78000452, listed November 28, 1978. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 190 Hampshire St., Lawrence |
|---|---|
| County | Essex County |
| Listed | November 28, 1978 |
| Reference number | 78000452 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1800-1899 (specific dates 1890-92) |
| Architect / builder | George G. Adams |
| Architectural style | Richardsonian Romanesque |
| Areas of significance | Architecture, Social History |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Vacant at the time of nomination; the library moved to a new building in 1973 and new uses were being considered. The southeast wing, added in 1902, was demolished in 1969 and replaced with a temporary wood-shingled wall. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 42.70950, -71.16751 (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.
Noted as vacant in the nomination. Nomination documents can be decades old; current status may differ. If you are considering buying an empty listed property, read the due-diligence checklist.
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 78000452.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7084793
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.