Bixby Memorial Free Library
🏢 Green Mountain Library Consortium · Vergennes, Vermont
Bixby Memorial Free Library
Established in 1912 through a bequest from local businessman William Gove Bixby, the Bixby Memorial Free Library occupies a stately Greek Revival building on Main Street in Vergennes — Vermont's oldest city — and serves five surrounding communities in Addison County. The landmark building is on the National Register of Historic Places and is cherished by patrons as an icon of local life.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10am–7pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–7pm |
| Thursday | 10am–7pm |
| Friday | 10am–3pm |
| Saturday | 10am–3pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 258 Main Street, Vergennes, VT 05491
Phone: (802) 877-2211
Website: bixbylibrary.org
Plus Code: 87P85P9W+2G (Vergennes, VT)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Bixby Memorial Free Library
The Bixby Memorial Free Library opened for book circulation on November 4, 1912, fulfilling the philanthropic vision of William Gove Bixby, who bequeathed the funds to build it. Architect Frederick G. Frost designed the Greek Revival structure, whose cornerstone was laid in September 1911; dedication ceremonies followed on October 1, 1912, when Middlebury College President John M. Thomas called the free public library 'one of our great modern democratic institutions.' The building served as a Red Cross center during World War I and has been a community gathering place ever since. Today the Bixby serves Vergennes — Vermont's oldest chartered city, incorporated in 1788 — as well as the surrounding towns of Addison, Ferrisburgh, Panton and Waltham. The collection includes books, large-print books, audiobooks, DVDs, eBooks and periodicals, plus free Wi-Fi, public computers and printing. The library belongs to the Green Mountain Library Consortium, giving Bixby cardholders access to Libby/OverDrive and the Palace Project statewide app, plus hoopla and Kanopy.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Established November 4, 1912, through a bequest from local businessman William Gove Bixby — a community landmark for over 110 years
- Housed in a nationally recognized Greek Revival building designed by architect Frederick G. Frost, listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Serves five Addison County communities: Vergennes, Addison, Ferrisburgh, Panton and Waltham
- Open Tuesday through Thursday until 7 p.m., convenient for after-work and after-school visits
- Active community programming including tai chi classes, bridge, used-book sales and room reservations for local groups
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Bixby cardholders can stream, download and research free through Vermont's statewide and consortium digital collections:
📚 Services
- Books, large-print books, audiobooks, DVDs and periodicals for loan
- Public computers, free Wi-Fi and printing services
- Interlibrary loan through the Green Mountain Library Consortium
- Meeting and program rooms available for community reservations
- Research assistance and reference services
- Curbside pickup and accessibility features including a LULA Lift and assistive devices
- Used-book donation and sale program
🎸 Programs
- Tai chi classes (Yang 24 and Sun 73 styles) for all skill levels
- Library Card Sign-Up events and community outreach
- Used-book sales benefiting the Friends of the Library
- Youth and adult programming throughout the year
- Community conversations and engagement initiatives
📍 Nearby Libraries in Addison County & Beyond
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Bixby Memorial Free Library founded, and who is it named after?
The library is named after William Gove Bixby, a local Vergennes businessman who bequeathed the funds to build it. The building was designed by architect Frederick G. Frost, its cornerstone was laid in September 1911, and it officially opened for book circulation on November 4, 1912. Dedication ceremonies on October 1, 1912 featured an address by Middlebury College President John M. Thomas.
Which communities does the Bixby Memorial Free Library serve?
The Bixby serves five communities in and around Addison County: the City of Vergennes plus the surrounding towns of Addison, Ferrisburgh, Panton and Waltham. Residents of all five communities are welcome to obtain a library card and borrow materials.
Is the Bixby Library building a historic landmark?
Yes. The Greek Revival building at 258 Main Street in Vergennes is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is noted for its grand marble staircases and has been described by longtime patrons as an icon of local life. The library actively works to preserve the historic building while improving accessibility for patrons with mobility disabilities.
What digital resources can I access with a Bixby Library card?
Bixby cardholders can access eBooks and audiobooks through Libby/OverDrive (via the Green Mountain Library Consortium) and the Palace Project statewide app. hoopla lets you borrow up to three items per month — movies, music, comics, audiobooks or TV shows — with no waitlists. Kanopy offers free streaming of films, documentaries and children's programming. The Vermont Department of Libraries also provides Universal Class for free online learning.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
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✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.