Springfield Public Library - Springfield, Missouri
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 37° 13.051 W 093° 17.384
15S E 474294 N 4119041
Carnegie library now known as the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library in Springfield, Missouri.
Waymark Code: WMCZ54
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 10/28/2011
Views: 8
The Springfield Library started in 1901 with a meeting of about 50 citizens led by Elwyn Bentley and Frank B. Williams with the intent of establishing a free public library. A request was made to Andrew Carnegie for funding for the construction of the library. A grant of $50,000 was given by Andrew Carnegie for the construction of the building. The city was to pay a minimum of $5,000 annually for upkeep and books. The site chosen for the library at the corner of Central and Jefferson was considered an excellent choice due to its proximity to the high school and Drury College. Construction was delayed due to a lawsuit and early construction problems. The cornerstone was laid in September 1903 and library opened March 12, 1905. The architects for the building were Reed and Heckenlively.
After the library opened it was open for 4 hours per day, three days a week and was run by librarian Miss Emma Parks, who ran the library alone for several years. By 1915 it was open seventy-six hours per week with three employees.
The library was expanded with a 19 foot extension both the east and west wings in 1836-1939. This work was done by the Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.).
The library was next renovated in 1977 and again in 2001.
Address of Library Building:
397 East Central Street
Springfield, Missouri United States
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Current Use of Building: Library
Year Built (optional): 1903 -1905
Website about building: [Web Link]
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