Stinson Memorial Library - Anna, Illinois - Libraries on Waymarking.com

Griffin graduated from the architectural school at the University of Illinois in 1899 and went to work in Frank Lloyd Wright's Oak Park Studio in 1901.  In 1905, Griffin left the Studio to set up an independent practice.  At first his work was Wrightian in character, but he gradually developed a marked style of his own, moving ahead of Wright in his use of bold expressionistic forms.  The Stinson Memorial Library is one of the strongest statements of this maturity.  Hallmarks of Griffins's style are evident; solid massive forms, simple rectangular shapes, clean lines and quiet silhouette, strong contrast in textures, and confines, rather than spreading interiors.

The estate of grain and livestock business, Captain Robert Burns Stinson, was left to the City of Anna in 1903 to establish and maintain a public library.  By 1913 the sum had accumulated enough to begin plans for the library.  Griffin's working drawings were made in 1913, construction continued into 1914 and dedication was August 14, 1914, three months after Griffin moved his architectural practice to Australia.  Griffin moved to Australia after winning an international competition for the plan of Canberra, Australia's capital, and worked in Autralia and India until his death in 1937.  Thus the Stinson Library is also one of the last buildings Griffin executed in America." - National Register Nomination Form

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