Bedford Library (former Bedford Academy; Bedford Village Historic District)

Built in 1809 on the village green, the Bedford Library was originally constructed to house the Bedford Academy, one of Westchester’s first classical schools. For almost a century, until its closing in 1902, the Bedford Academy trained many well-known men, including members of the Vanderbilt and Jay families. In 1903, after the Academy ceased operations, Miss Eloise P. Luquer began a library in one room of the building; it has been the home of the Bedford Free Library ever since. Owned by the Bedford Historical Society, the Bedford Free Library leases it for $1 a year and assumes responsibility for its maintenance. The Bedford Library is included in the Bedford Village Historic District, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

In 1809, the Bedford Academy began offering academic instruction from its location on Bedford's Village Green, becoming one of Westchester’s first classical schools. For almost a century—from June of 1809 until 1902 when it closed—the academy trained men from well-known families, some of whom would go on to have very successful careers. One notable student was John Jay II (1817-1894), grandson of John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the United States and second Governor of New York State. Another prominent student of the Bedford Academy was William H. Vanderbilt. 

In 1902, the Bedford Academy ceased operations. The following year, Miss Eloise P. Luquer began a library in one room of the building. From that time forward, the former Bedford Academy has been the home of the Bedford Free Library. The Corporation of Bedford Academy donated the building to the Bedford Historical Society in 1972 to continue its preservation. The Bedford Historical Society leases it to the Bedford Free Library for $1 a year and assumes responsibility for the building’s maintenance. 

The Bedford Library was designed in the Center Hall Colonial architectural style. It has a shingled, wood-frame exterior. The two story building is sheltered by a one-bay porch defined by two simplified Doric columns. A large square cupola surmounts the gable roof. A single electric light was installed in 1912, replacing the oil lamps previously used; interior plumbing was not installed until the late 1950s. The librarian lived in rooms on the second floor until the late 1960s. Additions in 1989 and 2001 have allowed the library to expand to better serve the needs of the community. The Bedford Library is included in the Bedford Village Historic District, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Information and photos for this entry were contributed by the Bedford Historical Society. Special thanks to Lynn Ryan, Executive Director.

1. Bedford Historical Society. Walking Tour of Historic Bedford Village. Bedford, NY. 
2. Bedford Historical Society website. https://www.bedfordhistoricalsociety.org/
3. “Bedford Village Historic District #73001285.” National Register of Historic Places. United States Department of the Interior/National Park Service. 1973. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75322953 
4. Lindefield Bianco, Shirley and Stockbridge, John. Images of America: Bedford. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing. 2003.
5. Williams, Gray. Picturing Our Past: National Register Sites in Westchester County. Westchester County Historical Society. 2003.
6. Wood, James. A.M. The History of the Town of Bedford to 1917. Reprinted from the History of Westchester County, New York, 1925.