Goodnow Library

GOOD THEN. GOODNOW Goodnow Then. The Goodnow Library opened its doors on April 4, 1863. The library was a gift to the town of Sudbury by Sudbury Native John Goodnow. Mr. Goodnow bequeathed $20,000 to the town for purchasing and keeping in order a Public Library for the benefit of the inhabitants of [Sudbury]. He also gave three acres of land, and $2,500 to erect the building. With 2,300 volumes in circulation, 3,100 square feet of space and one librarian (Samuel Puffer), the new library welcomed people of all ages, offering resources that went well beyond books. The library was also a space to socialize just as it is today. The library began as an octagonal building with windows on all sides and a cupola on top. Additions were added in 1885, 1894, 1971 and finally the largest in 1999. Throughout all the librarys changes, the original 19th-century building remains. It has been carefully restored to resemble the 1863 structure, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Plac...