Frequent readers here know that I have a thing for old buildings. Recently I have been paying more attention to Carnegie libraries. While most seem to take pride in their building, few are as prepared for visitors as the Washington Court House Carnegie Library.
Not only are the librarians excited to talk about the building, they have a brochure packed with information on the history and qualities that give it character.
The building was constructed in 1903 thanks to a $15,500 grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. He funded over 1,600 public libraries in mostly small communities nationwide.
This library is very much in line with the simple, classical style of other Carnegies. In fact, that distinct style makes them easy to spot.
I envied the staff who get to work the circulation desk underneath this beautiful dome. They said it was painted over at one point but was restored to its former glory in 2008. There are 2,256 pieces of leaded art glass up there.
This fireplace with its oak mantle, marble and surrounding tile work is beautiful.
There are four faux marble columns that are actually hollow plaster and hand painted to resemble marble. This technique, called scagliola, is commonly used in Carnegies to give the buildings some elegance without breaking the bank.
I also really liked the grandfather clock, a gift to the library from the Cecilian Club in 1913. The tick of an old clock is a pleasant, reassuring sound.
The original steps were condemned and removed in the 1950s but were replaced in 2000. The brochure said they made some aesthetic improvements in 2020 and it all looks pretty convincing.
The librarians I met there Saturday were both welcoming. It’s the kind of library I would enjoy visiting if I lived closer. They shared that the library does have a lingering spirit. Elizabeth is a former librarian who was forced to retire. Now the staff believes she has come back to work.
They have added to the original library to expand the collection and to keep the facility up with the times. They have a robust children’s library downstairs and seem to host a number of events.
If you go, stop by the circulation desk and let them know you’re a library nerd. They will give you a self guided tour brochure and answered all your questions!
Very nice place
It really is and the staff was wonderful.
Wouldn’t you know it….you have perfectly captured the Washington CH Carnegie library. My dear friend, Poppy was the library director there, and she worked there during the restoration. Poppy passed away in 2015. I have not returned to the library since then. I don’t know this to be fact, but I imagine the painting hanging above the mantle, in your photo, may have been in her honor. Regardless…I love it, and so would she have.
Thank you for sharing.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend. You are correct about the painting. There is a plaque with it as well. Her name and the artwork are noted in the brochure.
I’m glad you enjoyed the story. 🙂
Beautiful! Our Durango Library was for a long time in a Carnegie building. They put a small addition on with elevators at one point, but it was just too small to serve the community. The new library is nice, but doesn’t have any architectural pizazz.
Modern architecture is so unimaginative. However, it’s important for a library to be functional so it’s nice you have something new. What happened to the Carnegie building?
The city uses it for offices or storage, or both.
Hmm. At least it wasn’t torn down, I guess.
What a classy library. I’m with you on old buildings, they have so much more charm and character compared to many of the newer buildings today.
Agreed. Modern architecture is boring and sad compared to buildings like this one.