16 South Main Street 1906 Colonial Revival style

Before there were public libraries, there were social libraries. Residents purchased a membership in order to borrow from a private collection. As early as 1796, Wilmington had a social library. Until this building opened as a free public library in memory of life-long residents Dr. and Mrs. Anson L. Pettee, books were housed in different locations, including the post office and town hall. Both man and horse used the drinking fountain in front go the library. Designed by New York City architect Paul C. Hunter (1862-1935), the library replaced the circa 1850 Village School. The two-story grammar school was moved east and later demolished to make way for the fire station