Cutler Memorial Library - Plainfield

From the book "Where The Books Are"
Written by Patricia W. Belding, Potash Book Publishing

Cutler memorial Library, a Cottage-style building, is located on High Street (US Route 2), the main highway running through Plainfield. The outside of the gray-shingled library is deceiving, for it remsmbles a converted private residence. Yet Arthur G. and Amy Cutler built it as a library in 1937 in memory of his parents, Herman E. and Emma Gilman Cutler. The elder Cutler, a Plainfield farmer and owner of a gristmmill on the Winooski, held local offices and served in the Vermont Legislature.

Built on a large lot across from the younger couple's home, the two-story library was the third in the town's history. The Ladies'Circulating library was the first, founded in 1871 with members paying $1 each. Starting out in Dr. D.B. Smith's home, it was later moved to Sullivan Gale's. In the autumn of 1904, the latter's granddaughter, Ella Gale, went around town and collected $20 to buy books for the library. The same year, the library was reorganized and Viola Bemis took over in her home, serving without pay until 1913.

The Plainfield Public Library, the second such organization, was started when a favorable vote at the 1913 March meeting accepted the law of 1894. Five trustees were elected and $25 was appropriated. In October, after the state's books were added to the collection, Bemis continued as head of the renamed library which remained in her home until 1932. When she retired after 28 years at age 81, Mrs. Leon O'Dell took over.

In 1934, changes were in the wind when the trustees decided that the library should be in a public place with a more convenient location. The Plainfield Little Theatre group, whose playhouse occupied the old Congregational church, offered the library free space in the basement. After renovations, the books were moved and Florence Fowler became librarian.

In 1936, after the younger Cutlers bought the building lot, they began drawing up plans for the library, designing an arched doorway that entered into the front room with its four triple windows, cherrywood finish, and oak chairs and table. Another archway was positioned between the front room and the back stack area.

The Cutlers included an innovative idea in their plans similar to that in East Barre: a five-room apartment on the second floor to provide income for the building's upkeep (an arrangement still in effect today.) In the fall of 1937, they presented the library to the town and on the following January 14, the formal opening took place.

In 1993, due to lack of funds, the trustees considered closing the library and allowing the building to revert to the Cutler estate. The Friends of the library group came to the rescue and raised nearly $1,600 by means of a phone-a-thon. In 1994, the Cutler library met state standards for the first time.

Additional Area Information:

Area Events | Attractions | Arts | Recreation | Historic Sites | VT Products | Lodging | Dining | Shopping

---