Welcome to the Library, a private sanctuary within the Barker residence, steeped in the family's rich history and love for exploration. As you browse the shelves, you'll find an extensive collection of books, predominantly original to the Barker family. Among these treasures, you'll discover a plethora of travel guidebooks and maps, a testament to the family's passion for adventure and discovery.

This room holds a special significance in the Barker household, serving as the favored venue for Mr. Barker's gatherings with friends and business associates. It was here, amidst the warmth of the fireplace and the comforting aroma of cigars, that lively games of cards, particularly bridge, would unfold. Take note of the exquisite bronze ashtray crafted by the renowned Tiffany Studios of New York, adding an air of elegance to the space.

The architectural masterwork within this room bears the unmistakable imprint of Frederick Wainwright Perkins, the visionary behind its design. Every intricately carved wood element, from the grand library table to the dignified chairs, speaks volumes of Perkins' expertise. Notably, most of these carvings were crafted by the skilled hands of sculptor Joseph Dux (pronounced Dukes), whose artistry also adorned the historic Iroquois Theatre in Chicago, forever memorialized for its tragic fire in 1903.

The wood on the library side of the pocket door is Russian walnut, hewn from a singular piece of burl wood. The ceiling boasts a captivating honeycomb design, while the mantel clock was specially commissioned for this very room and crafted in London. At the base, pink Italian marble complements the stunning fireplace. An original set of National Geographics, dating back to 1896, adds to the room’s intellectual ambiance and charm.

Catherine Barker's Sparton 301AC radio (originally purchased in 1929-1930) is encased in a meticulously carved mahogany cabinet, allowing it to be ‘hidden in plain sight.’ Sparton radios were revered for their unparalleled quality, including innovative features such as their proprietary line of vacuum tubes, which set them apart from the competition.

A striking counterbalance table lamp, a creation of the esteemed Tiffany Studio, commands attention with its bamboo foliate base and a balance pendant fashioned from graceful favrile glass. This distinctive piece, while divergent in style from the rest of the mansion, pays homage to the organic aesthetic of the Arts and Crafts Movement championed by visionary William Morris in late 19th and early 20th century England. Characterized by its natural forms and intricate craftsmanship, this lamp exemplifies the timeless allure of art nouveau design, a captivating fusion of elegance and ingenuity.

Undoubtedly, the library reflects the Barker family's profound admiration for the artistry of their era, their appreciation for fine craftsmanship, and their enduring passion for exploration and discovery.