335 Pratt St

Library Hall - 1871

Library Hall could have qualified as Colorado's first public library but technically it was originally a reading room and not a lending library.  Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson (1821-1899) arrived in Longmont in June 1871 from New York City, bought the property and had the public Library Hall building constructed there. She supplied 300 volumes to the Library and also a large collection of art prints from the Thompson collection.  At the same time, an organ, a bell for the bell tower, and a flag were given by Colonel Pratt, one of the original organizers of the Colony.

Once inaugurated in 1871, the building was used by the colonists to hold a variety of programs from musical programs and debates to church services. The facility continued to be used as the social functions until the Dickens Opera House opened in 1881.  In 1898, the property was sold and turned into a private residence. During the 1920's, the home was owned by the Great Western Sugar Company which rented to employees at low rent. In later years, the home was converted to apartments.

Photo:

Drawing of Library Hall in 1871