Coshocton Carnegie Building, Coshocton, Ohio
Posted by: 
boatchick
N 40° 16.502 W 081° 51.917
17T E 426436 N 4458643
The 1000th Carnegie Library now sits vacant in Coshocton.
Waymark Code: WM4ZV3
Location: Ohio, United States
Date Posted: 10/19/2008
Views: 22
The Coshocton Library Association started in 1872 as a subscription library. Over the years, it evolved into a free public library. The trustees of the Coshocton Free School Library solicited a grant from Andrew Carnegie in 1902. Carnegie agreed, and a lot was chosen at Chestnut and 4th streets. This was the 1000th library to be built with Carnegie funds. It was designed by E.W. Hart of Columbus, and is constructed of granite-colored pressed brick, with a red tile roof. The main level was originally home to the book collection, while the upper floor was designed as an auditorium and the basement was used for various meeting rooms.
After an unsuccessful attempt to pass a bond issue to build a new, larger library in the 1950s, the Coshocton library eventually moved in 1973. Its current home is in an old post office building on Main street. Meanwhile, the old Carnegie building, described in Centennial History of Coshocton County (William J. Bahmer) as “splendidly arranged for the purpose used”, sits vacant and unmaintained across the street from the county courthouse. Although the city has made attempts to purchase the building from the current owner, they have been unsuccessful.