{{For|the library in Brunswick, Maine|Curtis Memorial Library (Brunswick, Maine)}} {{Use American English|date=July 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}} {{Infobox NRHP | name = Curtis Memorial Library | nrhp_type = | image = Curtis Memorial Library 2007.jpg | caption = The building in 2007 | location = 175 East Main Street<br>Meriden, Connecticut | coordinates = {{coord|41.5355|-72.7977|display=title,inline}} | area = {{convert|1|acre|ha}} | built = {{start date|1903}} | architect = Richard Williams | added = April 27, 1981 | refnum = 81000618<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|2010a}}</ref> }}
The '''Curtis Memorial Library''', now the '''Augusta Curtis Cultural Center''', is a historic former library building at 175 East Main Street in Meriden, Connecticut. It was designed by New Haven architect Richard Williams in the Classical Revival style, and was completed in 1903. The building was a gift to the city from Augusta Munson Curtis in honor of her husband George, who was one of the city's leading businessmen and onetime mayor.<ref name=NRHP>{{cite web|url={{NRHP url|id=81000618}}|title=NRHP nomination for Curtis Memorial Library|publisher=National Park Service|accessdate=2015-01-20}}</ref> It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.<ref name="nris"/>
==Description and history== The Curtis Cultural Center is located in the historic civic center of Meriden, set on a knoll at the southeast corner of East Main and Pleasant Streets. It is a two-story masonry structure, built out of white Vermont marble.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 20, 1903 |title=Loving Cup From Citizens |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/675145639 |access-date=May 23, 2026 |work=The Meriden Daily Journal |pages=1}}</ref> It presents as a single-story structure, with the second floor only evident due to a high parapet above the main cornice. A copper dome is placed at the center of the cruciform structure. The front projection houses the main entrance, which is deeply recessed in an opening that has flanking pilasters and two fluted Ionic columns set ''in antis''. The interior retains many original features, including mosaic tile flooring, a red marble fireplace, and Corinthian columns supporting the dome.<ref name=NRHP/>
Meriden's first library was established in 1898 by the Thursday Morning Club, an association of local women, and was kept in a private home. In 1900 August Munson Curtis offered to buy land and fund construction of a dedicated building. This building was completed in 1903, and was dedicated in honor of Curtis' daughter Agnes and husband George; he was a prominent industrial executive and also served as mayor of the city.<ref name=NRHP/> The building remained in use as a library until 1974, when new facility was opened on Miller Street. This building was then repurposed by the city as an arts and cultural center, named in honor of its benefactor.<ref name=history>{{cite web|url=http://www.curtisculturalcenter.org/Content/A_History.asp|title=A Brief History|publisher=Curtis Cultural Center|accessdate=2018-07-20}}</ref>
==Gallery== <gallery> File:Curtis Memorial Library 1901.jpg|The library in 1901 File:CurtisMeriden1.JPG|The facade of the building </gallery>
==See also== {{commons category|Curtis Memorial Library}} *National Register of Historic Places listings in New Haven County, Connecticut
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *[http://www.curtisculturalcenter.org/ Official web site]
{{NRHP in New Haven County, Connecticut}} {{authority control}}
Category:Library buildings completed in 1903 Category:Buildings and structures in Meriden, Connecticut Category:Libraries on the National Register of Historic Places in Connecticut Category:Public libraries in Connecticut Category:Libraries in New Haven County, Connecticut Category:National Register of Historic Places in New Haven County, Connecticut Category:Stone buildings in the United States Category:Marble buildings Category:1903 establishments in Connecticut