| The original library in Lewiston
was called the Manufacturers and Mechanics Library and was housed in the city building .
Andrew Carnegie donated the money for the granite building in 1902 with the understanding
that the city would fund staff, books, and materials for the operation of the library.
Granite from North Jay and Norridgewock was used for the construction. The vestibule was
modeled after the Greek design with columns 18 feet high and 25 inches in circumference.
Fine oak woodwork is found on the fireplace mantels and oak pillars. The addition is of modern design and required a change of the main
entrance from Park Street to 200 Lisbon Street. The construction began in the winter of
1996 with most of the construction done by January of 1997. As much as possible of the
architecture from the old library was preserved with an original mantelpiece being used as
part of the new reference desk.
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