In a town filled with interesting buildings, none captured my attention more than the public library in Lee, Massachusetts. While exploring downtown, I was excited to see one of the most recognizable buildings in my little world – a Carnegie Library.

I wasted no time hustling up the sidewalk and through the front doors to see the interior. Check out these doors.

But I didn’t just see the inside, I got a tour and such a warm welcome that I wished for a moment that I worked there.

The original part of the Lee Library was constructed in 1907 with help from Andrew Carnegie who gave $12,000 to the project. Unfortunately, the total price for the library and furnishings was $35,000.

My tour guide said that building the library was a source of contention in the community as some were supportive, others were vocally against, and some were on the fence. Some didn’t understand why the town needed a new library at all and certainly didn’t want to see tax dollars used for the cause. This sounds tragically familiar in 2026.

The compromise was for the additional funding to come from the town and from private donations. The town pitched in $18,300 and private donors covered the rest.

Lee Marble Works quarried and cut the marble used in the construction of the building. This was a big deal because Lee was known to have some of the finest marble anywhere. This original building is Corinthian in style.

The interior woodwork is polished birch, something that I didn’t expect but that is beautiful.

Look at this amazing fireplace! Can you read it? “A book fitly chosen is a lifelong friend.”

Indeed.

The building has since been added onto and updated but they have done a nice job preserving the original space and many original elements. The circulation desk has been relocated but is original. They have a couple of original bookshelves including one that rotates plus that gorgeous woodwork, fireplaces, and the requisite portrait of Andrew Carnegie that hangs in every one of his namesake libraries.

There’s even an unusual metal roll-up door that could be used to partition off the section of the library where books were originally shelved from the entryway.

A new wing was added in 1977, tripling the library’s square footage but they did a great job making the new addition consistent with the old. It’s clearly of a different era and doesn’t have the same workmanship but they incorporated the same local marble and honored the spirit of that 1907 space.

I want to make it clear that this library is one of the most active and busy small town libraries I have ever seen. They were busy that day, chatting with their patrons like old friends and making everyone feel seen and welcome. They even were hosting a local art show in their community room and I was invited to peruse the art which was submitted by children and adults. Plus, a staffer took the time to give me a great tour and patiently answer all my many questions.

It made my cynical little heart swell with pride for them.

This is the last remaining Carnegie in the Berkshires and it’s clear they are proud of that as well.

When out adventuring, remember that libraries are safe spaces to find a clean restroom, place to fill your water bottle, and even get local information. Librarians are some of the most helpful and knowledgeable people around. It’s even better when the building is historic and pretty!