| Boonton Public Library | |
| Nrhp Type2: | indcp |
| Nocat: | y |
| Partof: | Boonton Historic District |
| Partof Refnum: | 80002509 |
| Designated Nrhp Type2: | September 29, 1980 |
| Coordinates: | 40.9053°N -74.4108°W |
| Architecture: | Greek Revival |
| Added: | November 13, 1972 |
| Refnum: | 72000804 |
| Designated Other1 Name: | New Jersey Register of Historic Places |
| Designated Other1 Abbr: | NJRHP |
| Designated Other1 Link: | New Jersey Register of Historic Places |
| Designated Other1 Date: | October 26, 1972 |
| Designated Other1 Number: | 2086[1] |
| Designated Other1 Num Position: | bottom |
| Designated Other1 Color: |
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The Boonton Public Library, also known as the Holmes Library, is located at 619 Main Street in the town of Boonton in Morris County, New Jersey. Built, the Greek Revival building was purchased by James Holmes in 1856 and became the public library in 1893. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 13, 1972, for its significance in communications, education, and social history.[2] It was added as a contributing property to the Boonton Historic District on September 29, 1980.[3]
In 1849, Eliza Ann Scott purchased the lot on the corner of Main and Church streets from the New Jersey Iron Company and soon built a two-story building, which was apparently used for commerce. In 1856, she sold it for $5,000 to James Holmes (1815–1893), who was superintendent of the Taylor & Lord Nail Factory and one of the wealthiest individuals in the community. He then used the building as his residence and added a third story.[4] Upon his death in 1893, the property was bequeathed to the Boonton Public Library Association, along with $8,000 to fund its operation.[2] [5] Since the building was larger than the library needed, the extra space was rented to various organizations. In 1895, printing presses for The Boonton Times were installed in the basement.[4] The library has been serving the town since 1894.[6]