Carnegie Library (Muncie, Indiana)

Muncie Public Library

Front and side of the library
Location 301 E. Jackson St., Muncie, Indiana
Coordinates 40°11′33″N 85°23′2″W / 40.19250°N 85.38389°W / 40.19250; -85.38389Coordinates: 40°11′33″N 85°23′2″W / 40.19250°N 85.38389°W / 40.19250; -85.38389
Area 1 acre (0.40 ha)
Built 1903
Architect Marshall S. Mahurin
Architectural style Neoclassical
NRHP Reference # 76000019[1]
Added to NRHP June 17, 1976

The Carnegie Library is a historic Carnegie library located at Muncie, Indiana, United States. The building houses the Local History & Genealogy collection and an open computer lab. The facility also provides wireless access and a meeting room for local groups to reserve. It is one of four branches that make up the Muncie Public Library System. The building was made possible through a financial donation to the City of Muncie by Andrew Carnegie to expand their library system throughout the community. The foundation for Carnegie Library was built in 1902 and the building opened to the public in 1904. It has been in continuous use as a library since its opening. The building is located in downtown Muncie at the intersection of Jackson and Jefferson.[2]

History

Carnegie Library was dedicated on January 1, 1904. The library was built after a donation of $55,000 was given to the City of Muncie by Andrew Carnegie, with the goal to assist them in expanding their library system throughout the community. The library was one of the first structures in Indiana built from the funding of Andrew Carnegie, who was a major philanthropist, who supported library systems throughout the world. The plot of land where the building is located was a gift from local businessman George Spilker. As of 2015, the library continues to house the local history and genealogy department of the Muncie Library System.[3]

Architecture

The design and building of the library was conducted by the architectural firm of Wing and Mahurin of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The exterior structure is made of Indiana Limestone and modeled after Greek and classical architectural forms. The exterior of the building remains in its original state. The neoclassical architectural style includes a Romanesque dome located on the roof, in the central part of the library.[3][4]:2, 4

See also

References

  1. ↑ National Park Service (2010-07-09). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  2. ↑ Muncie Public Library website
  3. 1 2 The Historical Structure Report Phase II. Rep. Muncie: Muncie Public Library
  4. ↑ "Indiana State Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD)" (Searchable database). Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology. Retrieved 2015-08-01. Note: This includes Gary S. Prater (October 1975). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form: Muncie Public Library" (PDF). Retrieved 2015-08-01. and Accompanying photographs.
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