Historic desk of Dennis Library’s first librarian donated to Sussex County Library System
FRANKFORD TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — A desk handcrafted by the first librarian of Newton’s historic Dennis Library has been donated to the Sussex County Library System, adding a significant piece of local history to the library’s collection.
The wooden desk, built in 1852 by the Rev. Myron Barrett, was donated by his great-great-grandson, Peter Barrett. The desk had remained in the Barrett family for generations before being gifted to the Dennis Branch of the Sussex County Library System.
In addition to the desk, Peter Barrett donated a Bible owned by Rev. Barrett and annotated during his studies at Yale in the 1840s, along with Barrett family genealogy records compiled by his father, Myron Knox Barrett Jr.
Rev. Barrett played a key role in establishing the Dennis Library. He helped organize and manage the library from the formation of its board of directors in 1868 through the opening of the library building in 1872. He continued serving as librarian and secretary of the board until his death in 1876.
“We are so grateful for the opportunity to share these important pieces of both Dennis Library and Barrett family history with the community,” said Tara Schaberg, Local History & Genealogy Librarian. “Rev. Barrett’s impact on the Library has long been recognized through a plaque displayed in his honor. He was much more than the first librarian. He was a dedicated member of the Newton Library Association and played an active role in committees that helped bring the original library building to life.”
Barrett arrived in Sussex County in 1854 to serve as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Newton. Two years later, he married Emma Ryerson, daughter of prominent Newton resident David Ryerson. In addition to his church and library work, Barrett was involved with the Newton Collegiate Institute and other community endeavors.
Library officials noted the donation comes as the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States and carries another connection to local history. During the nation’s Bicentennial celebration 50 years ago, Myron Knox Barrett Jr. donated a history of the Barrett family and a historic photograph of the Barrett-Ryerson House to the library’s local history collection.
The donation was recently received by members of the library’s Local History and Genealogy Department, Dennis Branch Manager Sara Branagan and Library Director Will Porter.
The desk, Bible and genealogy records are currently housed at the Sussex County Library System’s Main Library, located at 125 Morris Turnpike in Frankford Township.
