Cary Memorial Library

Cary Memorial Library stands as a testament to thoughtful civic philanthropy and architectural grace, its 1906 building-designed by renowned Boston architect Willard D. Brown-anchoring Lexington's town center with understated elegance facing the historic Battle Green. Beyond its handsome facade, the library pulses with intellectual vitality as the sixth busiest in Massachusetts, circulating over one million items annually to a devoted community. The institution's extraordinary collections span nearly 300,000 items, including the remarkable Lexington Collection and the Edwin B. Worthen Collection, which document the town's evolution from Colonial times through the modern era with manuscripts, photographs, maps, and memorabilia. Recent transformative renovations have seamlessly woven contemporary spaces-including a vibrant Teen Space, collaborative study rooms, and an innovative Library of Things-into the historic structure, creating a sanctuary where architectural heritage and forward-thinking community engagement flourish side by side.