Sturgis Library, the oldest library structure in the United States and one of the oldest houses on the Cape, was built in 1644 for the founder of Barnstable, Reverend John Lothrop.
The original library structure contains "The Lothrop Room." It has a wood beam ceiling and authentic colored wide-board floors. In this room, Reverend Lothrop's bible- the one he used while holding religious services back in the 1600's- is on display.
The Sturgis Library is a historic treasure on Old King's Highway, 6A in Barnstable Village, and has one of the first maritime collections on the East Coast and the Lothrop Genealogy Collection.