On the Market Built in 1850, it originally served as the Vestry Schoolhouse for the small farming community of Foster, R.I., before becoming the Tyler Free Library in 1953. 81 Moosup Valley Road in Foster, R.I. Corey Sherman

It’s every bibliophile’s dream: moving into a library.

Built in 1850, 81 Moosup Valley Road in Foster, R.I., originally served as the Vestry Schoolhouse for the small farming community before becoming the Tyler Free Library in 1953. In anticipation of the transition of the building from a schoolhouse to a library, Casey B. Tyler donated 2,395 volumes, which were stored in the schoolhouse. 

“I feel anxious there be a good library in Moosup Valley as soon as there is a place to keep the books,” Tyler said, according to historic documents. 

Fifteen library cards were distributed on that special day. The library was expanded a few times throughout the years to house its growing collection, with its completion being in the 1970s. But its era came to an end earlier this year, and the building is now on the market for $415,000. 

Photos of the old schoolhouse. – courtesyThe library’s former book drop. – Corey Sherman

Zoned for agricultural/residential use, the 1,760-square-foot property, which sits on one acre, is tucked behind a white picket fence. (Don’t miss the classic book drop on the front of the building.) The building has hardwood floors and open cathedral ceilings. The back room has a half-bathroom and a section filled with bookcases. Steps lead to the former children’s library area, which was originally the one-room schoolhouse.

Head down a flight of stairs, and you’ll find yourself in what was the main part of the library. It’s home to a fireplace that anchors the space.

There is a basement for storage. 

One of the library rooms. – Corey ShermanThe former children’s area was part of the original schoolhouse. – Corey ShermanA fireplace in what was originally the adult section of the library. – Corey Sherman

“What I would say to you is with little creativity, I don’t think it would take a whole lot to actually change it into something,” said Dawn Wallitsch of KEY Real Estate, who has the listing and took her two daughters to the library when they were younger.

Wallitsch said that when the listing was first posted, endless Facebook commenters had the same question.

“Are the books included?” Wallitsch recalled.

However, the books aren’t included in the sale and will go to the Foster Public Library.

Light streams in through large windows. – Corey Sherman

“Tyler Free Library has always been the greatest labor of love and care by the residents of Foster,” the library’s Board of Directors said in a statement. “It is with full and grateful hearts and all of our admiration for every ingenious effort, great and small, in which the town of Foster and its people joined together to build this beloved institution, that we say farewell to our library. A library is more than its books; it is the spirit of place made manifest, and so it has been with Tyler.” 

The Tyler Free Library. – Corey Sherman

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