Exploring the Charm of the Moore Public Library in Lexington, Mi
The Moore Public Library in Lexington, Michigan, sits right amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown, so it’s very easy to pop in while visiting the village. It’s also relatively easy to miss amid the other historic downtown buildings and the vacation excitement. We urge you to take advantage of the opportunity to explore this literary sanctuary. As you will see below, entering the Moore Public Library is like opening the shell of an ordinary clam to find an exquisite pearl shining inside.
A Staple in the Community
The Moore Public Library building was built in Lexington in the mid-1870s and has been a library since just after the turn of the 20th century. The owners graciously bequeathed the library to the village in 1904, and it has been in operation since that date. In late 2023, the library began an ambitious expansion project to extend into a neighboring building via a glass bridge on the second floor of both buildings. They were knee-deep in construction while we visited, so the second floor was closed, but the main floor was open and impeccably maintained. You wouldn’t have known they were in the middle of such a large project.
Enter to find the Treasure.
You can view the historic building as you stroll downtown without entering, but you would miss out on finding that pearl mentioned above. While the exterior may hint at its historic significance, the true beauty of the Moore Public Library in downtown Lexington unfolds within its walls. Beyond the rows of meticulously shelved books, the building’s craftsmanship is a sight to behold. From polished woodwork to awe-inspiring stained glass windows, every detail exudes a sense of timeless elegance.
Beauty on the Inside
The skill and care in creating and maintaining the architecture, woodwork, and stained glass are a sight to behold. Exploring the library’s architecture feels like embarking on a journey through history. The curvature of archways, intricate ceiling details, and the ethereal glow of light fixtures transport visitors to a bygone era. The stained glass windows, in particular, reveal their full splendor from within, offering a breathtaking display of artistry and craftsmanship.
History of Lexington
Our visit to the Moore Public Library was a feast for the senses and an opportunity to connect with the community’s rich heritage. We chatted with the librarians, who provided us with excellent reading materials on the history of Lexington. As with all the little communities in Michigan, Lexington has a storied and exciting past. Nothing is boring about Michigan’s small-town history. Ask the librarian for local history materials if you want to learn for yourself. She was happy to help and quickly found a small but mighty stack of resources for us to peruse.
Libraries and Vacations
You may find it unconventional to visit libraries on vacation, but we enjoy it—especially if the building is beautiful. These architectural treasures are more than repositories of knowledge; they are gateways to the past, where stories come alive within their walls. And the librarians, with their wealth of knowledge and passion for sharing it, are the genuine pearls of these literary treasuries.
A Call to Adventure
So, the next time you find yourself wandering through a new town or embarking on a journey of discovery, don’t overlook the local library. Within its walls, you may uncover hidden treasures and untold stories waiting to be explored. Step inside, and let the magic of literature and history envelop you in its embrace
Other libraries we have visited: