Travel Back in Time: Sudbury's Goodnow Library

What is it about that makes it one of the most beloved buildings in Sudbury?

The library, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 22, 2002, has been a staple in the community since it was built in 1863. Back then, it was a modest two-story octagon-shaped building named for Sudbury-native John Goodnow II. Goodnow died in 1851 but left the town of Sudbury a 3-acre site for the library, $2,500 to build it and $20,000 to buy books and to maintain it.

"I was immediately attracted to Sudbury and the library for its beauty," said Esme Green, the library's director who took over for the retired Bill Talentino earlier this year.

In the 1990s it was expanded to its present size, but the original octagon survives as a reading room.

"The 1999 renovation really brought back and restored the original historic feel of the building, while at the same time, updating it to today’s standards," said Green. "I could see it was well-loved in the community by the high usage of the library for books other materials, programming, and just enjoying the space to read and relax."

Over the years the library has added technological advances, including wireless Internet access and a self checkout system.

"I have worked in academic, urban and suburban libraries, and they are all wonderful. What stands out for me about the Goodnow Library is the commitment of Sudbury’s residents to support the library for things such as historic renovations, as well as support the investment of new technologies, such as RFID," Green said. "It is a thoughtful community, that seeks to balance fiscal restraint and efficiency with quality of life. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to serve the people of Sudbury."

And serve the community it has. Not only is it a source of knowledge for adults, but the library also hosts events for families and children of all ages, book discussion groups for young adults, art exhibitions and debates during election season.

"The library really is the heart of the community. It serves as an academic support, as well as a recreational outlet for every type of person in the community; from babies to seniors, to parents, researchers, and students at every level," Green said.

The library allows teachers to use its books to be read in connection with their school studies, and an effort is made to make the library useful to the schools in all ways.

"The Goodnow Library has served Sudbury in its role as a traditional library and information resource since its origin but it has also had a unique ability through its director’s vision to grow and adapt to the needs of the community with societal and technological changes," said Larry O'Brien, Sudbury's Board of Selectmen Chairman. "From the original bound collection still housed in the historic octagon through the current digital age the Goodnow has always been and will continue to be Sudbury’s true community center."