Lenox Library

The Lenox Library is the principal public library of Lenox, Massachusetts. It is managed by the non-profit Lenox Library Association, founded in 1856, and is located at 18 Main Street, in a former county courthouse that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Library History The library was incorporated in 1856 and in 1874 moved into its current home, the former Berkshire County courthouse which was constructed in 1815-1816. In 1973, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places and is one of several such locations in Lenox. In the early 20th century, novelist Edith Wharton worked in the library and befriended Kate Spencer, who served as partial inspiration for her 1911 novel Ethan Frome. The Lenox Library Association belongs to the C/W MARS library consortium, which allows patrons to request books and other materials from other libraries located across the state. The Lenox Library Association is also a member of the Massachusetts Library System which is a State-supported collaborative that provides leadership and services to foster cooperation, communication, and sharing among member libraries of all types. In fiscal year 2008, the town of Lenox spent 1.56% ($241,452) of its budget on its public library—some $47 per person.