Take a few minutes to see this wonderful building! Head upstairs to see the 3/4 size ship model. There are some great views from the windows overlooking the town.
While we didn't get to go inside, we were very impressed by the architect of the building and the artwork found outside around this well preserved landmark.
Be sure to go up the stairs in this intriguing building - the utilitarian stairs inside the libray, they discourage steps on the historic staircase. In the middle of the children's library is a full sized ship - Rose Dorothea. Not to be missed!
Went to a reading here. Nice room and well-appointed. The rest of the library that I saw was very conductive to those things that we do in a library. Definitely go to the second floor and see the ship that is located there---beautiful!
A whaling schooner has been erected inside the library - impressive how they built the library around the boat
So the lovely surprise on the 2nd floor that everyone mentions is the 1/2 size model of a sailing ship - definitely stop in to see this! I will say also that it was a great help to me to have access to their free computers (1/2 hour time limit) in order to check email, etc. - I don't have a laptop or smart phone, so very nice. If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of Commercial street, this is a great place to stop in and just breathe!
Very cool library, with a scaled-down replica of a the "Roseway", a cargo schooner that carried cargo up and down the east coast in the 1800s. It's suspended from the ceiling and occupies a good chunk of the 2nd floor.
Just make sure you venture up to the second floor for a surprise. Ship model you will not believe and a library that you will not forget.
On a rainy day, we scooted inside to see the inside of the recently renovated library on Commercial Street. It had been under scaffolding and the building's cupola had been taken down and set in the front yard the last time we were there many years ago. But we had never ventured inside. Well, what a surprise! Who knew. It's a beautiful building for starts but then in the center of it all is a scale replica of a sailing schooner, complete with sails and fine crafted details. You can view it in almost 360˚ via two levels. The library is a working location so you still have to be quiet but you can access all 3 levels and enjoy views out the windows of the Wharf, Commercial street and see Provincetown from a high vantage point. Perfect for picture taking. The upper floors have reading areas and a railing that surrounds the main floor where the ship is installed. Picture taking is permitted and hey you might have some time to look at a book or magazine while you're there. A rainy day is good for that. Hope this was helpful. Others have included pictures so I won't duplicate. A must see! Highly recommended. Cheers traveler!
Definitely go see the Shooner inside. Walk up to the second level and check out the views of the ocean from the windows there too, it really is a calming place to visit.