Book lovers lacking shelf space, this one’s for you: A former public library listed on the National Register of Historic Places is back on the Maine market.
The library, known as the Caswell library or the Caswell building, was built in 1908 in the western town of Harrison on Main Street. It’s a “striking” example of Romanesque Revival architecture, according to its nomination form to join the National Register.
“This asymmetrical stone structure, with its tower and rounded corner room is one of the Town’s most important institutions,” the form reads.
It was the town’s public library up until 2004, when concerns about overcrowding prompted the library association to move its collections to the town hall. Originally, the intent was to use the space for classes and community events, but the building has been owned privately since 2005.
The property was last for sale in 2022 for $270,000. Only two years later, it’s on the market for $449,000. That figure reflects the uniqueness, history and potential of the property, according to Rachael Sawyer, the property’s listing agent. Its current owner operates it as a short-term rental, she said.
“He bought it in 2023 and just kind of turned it into an Airbnb, made it really cute,” Sawyer, an associate broker with Mahoosuc Realty, Inc., said. “That library room is pretty original to when it was first built.”
The former library could be a full-time residence, though Sawyer said its two bedrooms are in the basement, which might put someone off. Since it was listed Friday, the agent said she’s had three showings and all have been more interested in renting the space either long- or short-term.
“There’s been a good amount of interest,” Sawyer said. “The people I talked to were mostly looking at Airbnb.”
