2 MONUMENT SQUARE
052-051
HD Map# 36

Overview of Historic District and Source of following text.

36.  Hollis Social Library, 2 Monument Square, 1910.  Contributing building.

 

An excellent example of Classical Revival architecture, the Hollis Social Library is a single-story building displaying a cross plan fronted by an Ionic portico and capped by a copper dome.  The building is sheathed in horizontal flushboard above a foundation of rock-faced granite blocks with smooth margins.  Classical embellishments include egg and dart and other moldings and a modillion cornice which wraps around the building.  The center entrance (no longer in use) contains a six-panel door set in a molded surround with a six-light transom and full entablature.  There is a bronze World War I honor roll adjacent to the entrance and a blind opening on either side of the door.  On either side of the portico the remainder of the facade is punctuated by a 12/12 window with arched cap.  A large Palladian window is located on the west wall. 

 

Extending behind the original building is a clapboarded addition which is sympathetic to the older building.  The west elevation displays a central pedimented section flanked by two flat-roofed sections.  The window openings are symmetrical and include 6/9 sash with three light transoms as well as 2 x 2-light units.  The new main entrance on the east side is marked by a projecting portico with a wide frieze supported by two pairs of Doric columns. 

 

The Hollis Social Library was constructed in 1910 according to plans by architects Magee and Rowe of Boston.  The building was dedicated on August 24, 1910.  The Hollis Social Library is believed to be one of the oldest libraries established in the State of New Hampshire.  An association was formed in 1851 and a small library was kept in the church vestry.  After the new Town Hall was built the library was located there until the construction of the library building in 1910.