Thomas Scott Buckham Memorial Library

The Thomas Scott Buckham Memorial Library is a historic library in Faribault, Minnesota, United States.

Thomas Scott Buckham Memorial Library
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
The Buckham Memorial Library from the north
Location	Central Ave. and Division St. Faribault, Minnesota
Coordinates	44°17′23.95″N 93°16′4.02″W
Built	1930
Architect	Charles Buckham
Architectural style	Art Deco
MPS	Rice County MRA
NRHP reference No.	82003008 [1]
Added to NRHP	April 6, 1982

Thomas Scott Buckham Memorial Library
Collection
Size	106,878
Access and use
Circulation	245,961
Population served	18,615
Other information
Budget	$844,986
Director	Delane James

History

The public library as a tax-supported institution in Faribault dates from 1897, when it was housed in the City Hall building. Mrs. Anna Buckham gave the Thomas Scott Buckham Memorial Library building to the City of Faribault in memory of her husband. The cornerstone was laid in September 1929, and the dedication of the building took place on July 20, 1930.^[1][2]

Architecture

The library's architecture has Greek themes; Buckham was an avid reader and scholar of Greek literature. A stained glass window made by Charles Jay Connick was emplaced in the building's tower. The second floor has a Greek mural painted by Alfred J. Hyslop, which depicts scenes from Athens, Sparta, Delphi, and Olympia.^[2]