Thieves
and
barbers
The Brooks Free Library opened in 1881 and was part of a block of buildings funded by Henry C. Brooks. The library was just one of many rooms in the block of buildings that also included dress makers, attorneys, dry goods, apartments and even a barber. The library was small back then but kept growing and eventually assimilated the entire block. It kept growing and sucked in some surrounding buildings too.
The library today is pleasantly bizarre and looks like it was designed by some mad scientist. Just sort of rambles on in all directions but the incongruity just adds to it's uniqueness and coolness.
Inside it has all the stuff a library should have, including a great genealogy and local history room, but it just might take longer to find one particular thing until you get use to the place. Lots of cool architecture and art works all over the place.
A whole bunch of statues by the 19th century artist, John Rogers are scattered around. At one time there were more but in 1976 some thieving jackals broke into the library and stole some. In spite of an investigation by the FBI the unique statues were never seen again.
The library has friendly and helpful librarians and a feel of someone's old and elegant home. A very cool place to sit and relax, read a book, do some research or just take in all the weird coolness and history. read more