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Hidden Treasures Beneath The Dome: Exploring The Bixby Library

photo by Jackie Steponaitis

photo by Jackie Steponaitis

Tuesday March 9, 2010

By Jackie Steponaitis

The site of people standing, pointing at, and photographing the exterior of the Bixby Free Memorial Library on Main Street in Vergennes is a common occurrence. The townspeople are used to the awe and curiosity that the columns, marble edifice, and domed library incite in visitors and even long time residents. Despite the beautiful exterior, the real treasures of the Bixby lie inside, beneath the dome and in the people, programs, and offerings of this historic landmark and local treasure.

   “I would have to say that one of Bixby’s greatest treasures are the people who work and volunteer here,” shared Head Librarian Rachel Plant. “They come from all walks of life and all different levels of experience. Each brings to the library a depth and diversity that is wonderful.” When queried about collections and objects that are unique and special to the Bixby, Ms. Plant identified the Native American collection in the upstairs museum and the sculpture by Margaret Foley as key components of the Bixby holdings. The Native American collection spans native tribes from around the US Continent as well as those of the Champlain Valley. Also, tucked away on the second floor is a history room complete with photos, primary documents and records of local history including the Monkton Iron Works. Visited often by local and national historians, the documents and records include genealogical searches and historic documents spanning the settlement of the area and the huge events that took place on Lake Champlain.

   Bixby’s programs are diverse in their offerings and begin with the youngest members of the community. “The parents with young children absolutely adore our children’s librarian,” remarked Ms. Plant. “We offer story hours every Thursday and there are usually about fifty children in the main room. It is high energy and a lot of fun.” In addition to the young children, it is a daily occurrence for local teens and their lap tops to be in the Bixby or using the library computers for research. Adult offerings include once a month programs with a plethora of presentations including literature, historic venues, authors, or even artists. “It is a challenge to find and secure the adult program offerings,” shared Ms. Plant, “because we do not have a line item in our budget for these guests. We are fortunate to have a wonderful group of Library Friends that back us up and sometimes they provide the funding for these special evenings.”

   Stepping across the threshold of the library, the eye has many different directions to go, but invariably, it is drawn to the stained glass dome that rises from the ceiling, like a beacon from an earlier time of grandeur and Greek styling of architecture. The visitor is quick to learn that not all the main events are on the first floor. The marble staircases rise to the second floor where hardwood, oak floors are testimony to the dream and statement made by Bixby library benefactor William Gove Bixby. In two years the Bixby will mark its 100th year and, “at that point, hopefully everyone will see the hidden treasure that the Bixby really is,” commented Ms. Plant. “We are on the radar and are getting written up more and more. Recent articles in Vermont Life and the Boston Globe are increasing people’s awareness of the Bixby.”

   The Bixby’s unique blend of powerful architecture, personal attention from the staff and historical holdings that range from the everyday to the artistic, offer people a depth that can carry them for an afternoon and a lifetime. Each person queried seemed to have a favorite piece of the museum, and had found their niche in the wonderfully open and inviting space. Teachers are fascinated with the archived collection of the Enterprise and Vermonter newspaper that was the hometown paper for over one hundred thirty years and others found images of ancestors and the recognizable Main Street at times of celebration and tragedy from long ago.

   “There is a unique section of Vergennes History in our museum that are touchstone pieces in our collection,” shared Rachel Plant.  “We have one piece from the Lennox Hotel that once stood on the exact spot that the Bixby now stands. There is a box that was made here on the falls from the Horse Nail Factory in another century. Those hand made items bring alive the past of the people who were here before us and pay tribute to the past of this area.”

   No one can go inside without stopping to gaze upward at the iconic dome which tops off the structure. About twelve years ago a large grant enabled the library to provide proper cleaning and strengthening to the dome, but even the staffs themselves admit that they don’t touch it and also stand in awe of the sheer spectacle that constructing it must have caused. “I’ve been up there myself,” explained Ms. Plant. “There is a little cat walk that goes around the perimeter of it. It just amazes me the level of craftsmanship of it; the mathematical problems of erecting it and those panes of glass. I know that when they did the preservation, they had pieces of lumber in that section and built staging in place on which they could place themselves and tools to access the arch.”

   This reporter encourages all Vermonters to beat the rush and not wait for the 100th year festivities in 2012 to explore the treasures hidden behind the doors of the Bixby Library. It was built to stand the test of time and to be a repository for books, history, art and a gathering place to celebrate all that makes Vermont a community. Come for an hour, an afternoon or plan on staying a while, because for every hallway you explore and every file drawer you open, a new hidden treasure will emerge, enriching the lives of those they touch.

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