Rice Public Library

This is my favorite library EVER, and I’ve patronized libraries in multiple cities in the five states in which I have lived. We were stationed in Kittery for a short and wondrous time, and I practically lived in this library. Friendly staff, great selection, and the building is historical and absolutely beautiful. Rice Public Library is perfection.

Books
birds
and
Arabella
The Rice Library in Kittery is a stunning building that was constructed in 1888 from money left in her will by Arabella Rice. It was designed by the famous Boston architect Sheperd Woodcock and is a classic Victorian with a bit of Romanesque thrown in for good measure,
Made from brick dragged up from Philadelphia, the inside features a lovely vaulted ceiling, great stained glass windows and lovely wooden staircases. Elegance but tasteful aesthetics everywhere you look.
The original library once held a huge collection of stuff birds on the second floor but that is now the children’s area. The birds are gone, replaced by a whole lot of fun stuff for kids.
In 1991 another generous patron gave a large sum of money to the library and major renovations took place. Fortunately none of the original flavor and beauty of the library was compromised.
A wonderful library not only for the people of Kittery but also for anyone visiting the town and wants to do some research of get some information in a stunningly lovely Victorian building.