Welcome To Our Library!
Welcome to the Lee Library
The Lee Library is located at 100 Main Street, right in the center of the town of Lee, Massachusetts. Appropriately called the "Gateway to the Berkshires", this small, friendly town offers easy access to the many cultural and natural attractions of our region.
We take pride in providing modern library resources and services in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The Lee Library participates fully in regional library associations which allow us to share library materials, technology, and expertise across a large population of libraries.
History of the Building
The Carnegie library
The Lee Library is the only remaining Carnegie library building in the Berkshires. Not only does the building have great beauty, but it has great historical significance.
The present building is on the site of Peter Wilcox's homestead. The Wilcox one-story, one-room log house was the location of Lee's first town meeting held in December 1777. Peter Wilcox is known for his part in Shay's Rebellion.
The original part of the present building was built in 1907. The total cost of the building, including the lot and furnishings, was $35,500. Andrew Carnegie donated $12,000, the town appropriated $18,300, and the remainder was donated by concerned citizens. Lee Marble Works quarried and cut the marble used in the construction of the building. The original section of the building is Corinthian in style, with interior woodwork of polished birch.
The library was expanded in 1977. Marble quarried in Lee was again used in the construction. The new wing tripled the size of the library to a total of approximately 7,500 square feet. The addition includes the Betty Dennis Children's Room, stacks, a reading room, and the J. Peter Scolforo Gallery.
Built in 1907
The original part of the Lee Library was built in 1907 and is the only remaining "Carnegie library" building in the Berkshires. Lee Marble Works quarried and cut the marble used in the construction of the building.
Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance requirement is interest.
Lady Bird Johnson
Mission Statement
The mission of the Lee Library is to be a primary community resource by providing free access to resources in a variety of formats, including current technologies, within and beyond our walls.
The Lee Library is dedicated to encouraging everyone to appreciate the joy of reading and the value of libraries. The Lee Library exists to meet the cultural, professional and leisure needs of the community in a friendly, helpful and safe environment.
President
Donna Toomey
Vice President
Barbara Allen
Treasurer
Thomas Unsworth
Clerk
Sheila Viale
Directors
Thomas Consolati
Zoe Dalheim
Sharon DeLorme
Maryann Fitzhugh
Sandra Hayes
Susan Horsford
Judith Nardacci
Janet Warner
There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration.
- Andrew Carnegie
General Questions
email lee@cwmars.org
(413) 243-0385
Staff
Library Director
Damon Vorce- Dvorce@cwmars.org
Adult Services Librarian
Michelle Di Giovanni- mdigiovanni@cwmars.org
Youth Services Librarian
Loren Nazarov- lnazarov@cwmars.org
Circulation Staff
Luann Auger
Tracie Etheredge
Jennifer Heath
Mary Rossi