Willett Free Library
Saunderstown, Rhode Island

This small library, built in 1902 in the then rural summer community of Saunderstown, Rhode Island, is a handsome, wood shingle structure with Colonial Revival detailing that was designed by C. Grant Lafarge, a Philadelphia architect who spent summers in the area.  Because of its increasing popularity as a community gathering spot, in addition to its burgeoning collection of books, the library was bursting at the seams before this renovation was undertaken.  Although the tight site allowed for only a very limited increase in the footprint area, the design for this renovation was very successful at dramatically increasing the useable space while at the same time retaining the historic character of the original architecture.  The project received a Rhody Award from the Preserve RI and RI Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission because of its sensitivity to historical preservation.