Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site | Topeka

Information

Landmark: Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site
City: Topeka
Country: USA Kansas
Continent: North America

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, Topeka, USA Kansas, North America

The Hearst Free Library is a public library located in Anaconda, Montana, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The library is a two-story brick building with a prominent stone foundation. Its architectural style is Neoclassical Revival, featuring a symmetrical facade, a central portico with Doric columns, and a pediment. The exterior brickwork is a deep red, contrasted by white stone detailing around the windows and cornices. The roof is a dark slate.

Location & Access Logistics

The Hearst Free Library is situated at 502 Oak Street in Anaconda, Montana. It is approximately 0.3km west of the Anaconda Civic Center and 1.5km south of the main commercial district along East Park Avenue. On-street parking is available on Oak Street and surrounding residential streets. Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus stop for the local Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Transit route is approximately 0.5km north on Main Street.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Hearst Free Library began in 1901 and was completed in 1903. It was funded by a donation from Phoebe Apperson Hearst, mother of William Randolph Hearst, in memory of her husband, Senator George Hearst, who had mining interests in the area. The building was designed by the architectural firm of George H. Palmer and Son. Its original purpose was to serve as a free public library for the citizens of Anaconda.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can access the library's collection of books, periodicals, and digital resources. The main reading room on the first floor features original oak furniture and a large fireplace. The second floor houses administrative offices and additional stacks. The library hosts regular community events, including author readings and children's story hours. Research services are available by appointment.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on both floors. Limited seating areas provide shade within the main reading room. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the building. No on-site food vendors are present, but several cafes and restaurants are located within a 0.5km radius in the downtown area.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit for optimal lighting for photography of the exterior is late afternoon, approximately 2-3 hours before sunset, when the western facade is illuminated. The library is open year-round during standard business hours, typically Tuesday through Saturday. No specific tide or weather conditions are relevant for visiting this indoor landmark.

Facts & Legends

A unique historical detail is that the library's original construction was partially funded by the sale of a rare stamp collection donated by a local resident. A local anecdote suggests that the ghost of a former librarian occasionally rearranges books overnight, though this is unverified.