Greetings from Plumb Library. Welcome to BookRemarks, a monthly feature focusing on all things library related.
Charles and Elizabeth Leonard and Joseph and Dorothy Plumb. Do you recognize these names? These are the four people we have to thank for there being a library in Rochester.
Charles Leonard (1814-1868) was a ship’s owner with stakes in whale oil. He was also an avid reader and owned a large personal book collection. His wife Elizabeth (1823-1901) gifted his books to the Town after his death, starting the first free public library in Rochester in 1876. She later funded the building of Town Hall in 1892, which also housed the Library. The Rochester Free Public Library operated out of Town Hall through the 1970s.
Joseph Plumb (1913-1970) was a dedicated reader, writer, sailor and auto enthusiast. He had been privately working on a plan to find the Library a new home with more space when he fell ill and his pet project was put on hold. After his death, his wife Dorothy (1907-1977) picked up the project, contracted with local builder Robert Sherman and paid to have the Library built where it stands today. The new building was named in honor of her husband and was dedicated in April of 1976. A committed group of volunteers and Friends of the Library moved and shelved every book from the Town Hall library room, forming a “bucket line” across the Common to the new Library.
The Library has portraits of both couples on display, as well as Mr. Plumb’s rocking chair.
Rumor has it that a time capsule may have been installed at the Library during its construction. If you have any information about this mystery, we’d love to talk to you.
As always, your Library Staff, Kristen, Jen and Lisa are here to help you find what you need. Feel free to call (508-763-8600) or email us (info@plumblibrary.com) with any questions. Better yet, come by and say hello.