Cary Memorial Library | Lexington MA

Cary Memorial Library, located in the heart of Lexington, Massachusetts, is both a historic landmark and a thriving modern cultural institution. Established in 1869, it has served as the town’s principal library for over 150 years. Its name honors Maria Hastings Cary, whose philanthropic gift helped launch the free public library system in Lexington. Today, it stands not just as a place for books but as a community hub for education, culture, and civic engagement.

Origins and Historical Background

The library’s founding traces back to a $1,000 donation from Maria Hastings Cary, a member of a prominent Lexington family. Her contribution was matched by the town, enabling the creation of a free library, which opened initially in a room in the town hall. As usage and public interest grew, the need for a dedicated structure became apparent.

In 1906, a permanent library building was constructed and gifted to the town by Alice Butler Cary in memory of Maria Hastings Cary. This building was designed by Willard D. Brown, a Lexington architect, and reflects Colonial Revival architecture with some Shingle and Craftsman style influences, blending harmoniously with Lexington’s historic town center.

Architecture and Renovations

The original building, a handsome two-story stone and stucco structure with large arched windows and a hipped roof, remains central to the library’s identity. Over the decades, as Lexington's population expanded and the community’s needs evolved, the library underwent multiple renovations:

1948 & 1958–59: Modest expansions were made to accommodate growing collections and reading spaces.

2004–2007: A major renovation and expansion project dramatically transformed the facility, tripling its size. This project added:

A bright central atrium

Enlarged Children’s Room

Dedicated Teen Space

Multiple study rooms, programming areas, and accessible entrances

Expanded technology services
Despite the modernization, the renovations carefully preserved and enhanced the historic parts of the structure, especially the original 1906 reading rooms.

The Cary Library Foundation, established in 1999, played a key role in fundraising for the renovation and continues to support ongoing development and special projects.

Collections and Special Holdings

Cary Memorial Library offers an extensive range of materials across formats and disciplines. With a collection of nearly 300,000 items and an annual circulation that surpasses 1 million, it consistently ranks among the busiest public libraries in Massachusetts.

Notable Collections:

Edwin B. Worthen Collection: An exceptional archive of Lexington history including manuscripts, photographs, and rare books.

Fred S. Piper Collection: Focusing on the works and legacy of Henry David Thoreau, with books, essays, and correspondence.

Lexington Authors Collection: Features works from over 500 authors with ties to Lexington, including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.

Historic Artwork: Portraits, plaques, and curated paintings from Lexington’s past decorate many reading areas and historic rooms.

In addition to traditional books and media, the library offers a “Library of Things”, which includes items such as:

Telescopes

Musical instruments

Board games

Craft kits

Tools and equipment

Wi-Fi hotspots

Community Programming and Events

Cary Memorial Library is a vibrant cultural and intellectual center, offering a year-round calendar of programs for all ages. Activities cater to lifelong learning, literacy, and community building.

Adult Programs:

Author talks and book discussions

Lectures on local and national history

Technology training and digital literacy workshops

Civic engagement forums

Children and Teen Programs:

Story times, puppet shows, and literacy enrichment

Themed seasonal events like the Fairy Tale Ball or Brickmania LEGO challenge

Homework help and STEM programs

Teen book clubs and art workshops

The library also collaborates with local schools, senior centers, and town departments to provide outreach and inclusive services to diverse groups.

Art Exhibitions and Cultural Displays

The library includes three dedicated gallery spaces for rotating exhibitions by local artists. These galleries showcase paintings, photography, sculpture, and mixed media from both emerging and established creators.

Permanent installations include historical portraits and commemorative plaques that celebrate figures in Lexington's cultural and political past.

Facilities and Accessibility

Hours: Typically open six days a week (Monday–Saturday), with Sunday hours during the academic year.

Technology: Free Wi-Fi throughout the building, public computers, scanning/printing services, digital catalog access.

Meeting Spaces: Public meeting rooms available for reservation; includes quiet study rooms and large community rooms.

Restrooms: Fully accessible and gender-neutral options available.

Parking: Free on-site parking with designated ADA-accessible spots.

Location and Civic Importance

Cary Memorial Library is located in Lexington Centre, near the Battle Green and other Revolutionary-era landmarks. Its presence enhances the town’s historic core and connects past and present through learning and civic engagement.

The library is more than a repository of knowledge-it is a symbol of Lexington’s values: education, access, community, and innovation. Whether through its Thoreau archives, digital lending services, children’s story circles, or art exhibitions, Cary Memorial Library continues to evolve while honoring its deep-rooted heritage.

Summary

Cary Memorial Library stands as a cornerstone of Lexington’s educational, cultural, and civic life. It blends historic elegance with cutting-edge resources, offering a unique space where the past meets the future. Through its vast collections, engaging programs, and inclusive services, it supports the intellectual and social vitality of the community. For residents and visitors alike, it is a place to learn, create, connect-and feel a profound sense of Lexington's identity.