The West and East Branch Libraries turn 100 this year, so let's take a look back at their history.
The two libraries were Carnegie libraries, ones funded by steel baron, Andrew Carnegie. He would pay for the libraries to be built provided that a site was furnished and that it be maintained. Nearly 1700 communities took him up on the offer, and libraries were built all over the US and some in Britain, Ireland, Canada and elsewhere. Interestingly, it was Indiana that had the most Carnegie libraries of any state, totaling 164
The twin libraries were constructed at the same tame using plans drawn up by Clifford Shopbell & Co. The buildings were Neoclassical in style and built of red brick and limestone. Terra cotta ornamenation imported from Chicago added a unique touch.
Each was situated in a park conducive of a quiet place for meditation, which was common for the time. The West Branch Library was built on the Franklin St Park, the block bounded by Franklin St, Wabash Ave, Illinois St, and 10th Ave. The East Branch Library was nestled between Bayard Park and Chandler School (later Stanley Hall). Both libraries, recently restored, still server a high volume of partrons just as they did 100 years ago.
Another Carnegie library was built for the colored population in 1914 on Cherry St. Commonly just called Cherry Branch Library, it was later used as offices for the Boy Scouts. It was torn down in the 1970s for a Welborn Hospital addition.
Since Central Library was built in the 30s, these two are tied for the oldest public library in Evansville. Willard Library, built in 1880s, was a private library.
West Branch Library - http://www.historicevansville.com/site.php?id=westbranch
East Branch Library - http://www.historicevansville.com/site.php?id=eastbranch
Carnegie libraries (Wikipedia) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnegie_library
EVPL - http://evpl.org
Comments