Randall Library, Stow, Massachusetts (Genealogy and Local History Section)

I believe the photo of the Randall Library in Stow, Massachusetts is the prettiest of all the libraries I've taken. Perfect warm day, blue sky, a bench, lovely red brick building, and beautiful Redbud tree. I hadn't been here in 15 years, so I shouldn't have been surprised to see it had been enlarged (like all the other libraries I've visited).

I introduced myself and the most pleasant librarian, I believe it was Sally, who took me upstairs to the history/genealogy area. First shown, was the old children's area (below), I don't think it is used anymore, because of the addition.

The flag is here because there are two war memorial panels on each side wall, one for the Revolutionary War and the other for the Civil War.

This room has a collection put together by the Stow Historical Society. A nice mini-museum, I would have liked to have seen more, but didn't have the time. I don't remember it from years ago.

Their collection is quite small, and that surprised me because 15 years ago, I found so much useful information pertaining to my 31 Stow individuals in my family tree, two were direct lines. I asked if many genealogists do research here, and the reply was no. 

Genealogies and information are kept in the file cabinet below.

Behind the new addition were all the war memorials, except for the ones mentioned above.

Thayer Memorial Library, Lancaster, Massachusetts

The Thayer Memorial Library in Lancaster, Massachusetts is an old, 1653 incorporated town that still has an old town charm. The lovely library, with a new addition to their original 1868 building impressed me, but the fact that I couldn't see their special collections, genealogies and old books was a disappointment. I was told they were in a new section, on the floor below the main entrance. In order to see their holdings, I would have to call ahead for an appointment and meet with the Special Collections Librarian, on either Monday, Wednesday or Thursday from 4:15-6:16. At this point, I'm not certain, I'll do it and I was sad I couldn't report on what they have to offer. My genealogy tree has 200 individuals (quite a few direct lines) with ties to Lancaster.

As we walked from a side street parking lot, we pass old horses stables. The First Church of Christ, Unitarian is to the right (not shown), the Town Hall is straight ahead, and the library to the left.

The main entrance was lovely, and I absolutely enjoyed the children s room, part of the original library. The tables and chairs were sized for children.

The Civil War memorial had been in the old section of the library and was moved into the new. This is the 4th time I've seen a war memorial in a library.

From the outer entrance of the church, I could see the stables, and since I was taken by them, here's another photo below.

Please see my friend, Bonnie MacDonald's blog Massachusetts Meanderings about her visit to Lancaster, and her research experience in the Special Collection's room. Bonnie is from Washington state and took a two-week research trip around Lancaster and northern Connecticut areas.