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Pawling, New York: Akin Free Library Curiosities

1898 building, former lending library, now a museum. Natural history items, extinct and shrunken curiosities collected by Olive Gunnison and installed in the library in the 1960s.

Akin Free Library

Address:
378 Old Quaker Hill Rd, Pawling, NY
Directions:
From NY-22 in Pawling turn east at the stoplight onto NY-67/Quaker Hill Rd. Drive three twisty-turny miles. When the road ends at a stop sign, turn right onto NY-66/Old Quaker Hill Rd. Drive one-third mile. You'll see the distinctive building on the left.
Hours:
May thru Oct. F 11-5, Sa-Su 1-4. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
845-855-5099
Admission:
Donations welcome.
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Visitor Tips and News About Akin Free Library Curiosities

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Akin Free Library.

Akin Free Library Curiosities

Housed in an amazing Victorian building that pops up seemingly out of nowhere with an even more amazing, mind-blowing collection on display. Be forewarned that some items on display might rattle you, but that's why we love RA sites! Prepare to spend time reading the typed descriptions.

[Annie, 06/03/2023]

Akin Free Library.

Akin Free Library

This eclectic 1898 building is no longer a lending library, but a museum. In the lower level is an incredible assortment of natural history items and curiosities collected by Olive Gunnison and installed in the library in the 1960s.

[Terry Ariano, 05/21/2023]

The collection includes many dead things in jars, ceramic tiles recovered from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a shrunken head, and stuffed versions of three different extinct birds.


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In the region:
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