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What is an Athenaeum?
The Athenaeum in Athens was a sanctuary of Athena (goddess of wisdom, fertility, the useful arts, and prudent warfare) built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian and frequented by poets and men of learning. ( Random House Dictionary of the English Language, 1967 Ed.) The St. Johnsbury Athenaeum is a private, nonprofit public library and art gallery located in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The Athenaeum fills two roles: it serves the people of St. Johnsbury by enriching their lives, and it stands as a regional and national treasure - a monument to the nineteenth-century belief in learning. The Athenaeum is a legacy of the Fairbanks Family of St. Johnsbury, inventors and manufacturers of the world's first platform scale, who gave the Athenaeum to the trustees of the institution in 1871. With his wealth Horace Fairbanks created a center of culture for the people of his town - a true "athenaeum." St. Johnsbury Athenaeum at a glance (PDF) A brief history of St. Johnsbury (PDF) DirectionsFrom the South - Take I-91 Exit 20. Turn right onto US 5. At first stop sign (intersection of Railroad St. and Eastern Ave.) turn left onto Eastern Ave. The Athenaeum is on Main St. at the top of the hill. From the North - Take I-91 Exit 21.Turn left onto US 2. Proceed one mile into St. Johnsbury. At first stop sign (intersection of Western Ave. and Main St.) turn left. The Athenaeum is on the left side of Main St. at the intersection of Eastern Avenue. From I-89 heading South: Take Montpelier exit, follow US 2 East 40 miles to St. Johnsbury. Bear left at St. Johnsbury Academy. The Athenaeum is on the left, at the top of the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Main St. Parking is available behind the Athenaeum or along Main St. or Eastern Avenue. Handicapped spaces are marked. Handicapped accessibility to the main floor of the Athenaeum is provided from the back parking lot. Hours of OperationThe Athenaeum is open year - round during the following hours: Monday through Friday 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM We are closed New Years Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. |
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Board of Trustees |
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Eileen Boland (Secretary) Caroline DeMaio Christine Hadsel |
William Marshall (Chair) Bruce Palmer Janis Raye |
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Last update: 1/10/12 |
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Athenaeum 1. "An institution, such as a literary club or scientific academy, for the promotion of learning." 2. "A place, such as a library, where printed materials are available for reading." (American Heritage Dictionary, 3rd Ed. ) 