Cook Memorial Library (Libertyville, Illinois) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Ansel B. Cook Home
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, Illinois |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1921 |
| Architect | Ansel B. Cook |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 01000867 |
| Added to NRHP | August 16, 2001 |
The Ansel B. Cook House is a special old house in Libertyville, Illinois, United States. It was built in 1878. A man named Ansel B. Cook, who was a builder and also involved in local government (a politician), had it built as his home. It was designed in a style called Victorian.
After Ansel B. Cook passed away, he wanted his house to become a public library. However, his wife, Emily Barrows Cook, lived there for many more years. After she died, the house was changed quite a bit. It was updated in a style called Neoclassical to become a library. The library first opened its doors to the public in 1921.
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The Cook House: A Historic Home
The Ansel B. Cook House is now a historic house museum. This means it's a place where you can visit and see what life was like in the past. It helps people learn about history.
From Home to Library
Ansel B. Cook was an important person in Libertyville. He was a contractor, which means he managed building projects. He was also a politician, helping to make decisions for the community. When he built this house in 1878, it was a grand Victorian home.
Cook had a big heart for his town. In his will, which is a document saying what you want to happen after you're gone, he said his house should become a library for everyone. This was a wonderful gift to the community.
After his wife, Emily, passed away, the house was ready for its new purpose. It got a big makeover in 1921. The style changed from Victorian to Neoclassical, and it was officially opened as the town's public library.
A New Chapter for the Library
For many years, the Cook House served as the main library for Libertyville. But as the town grew, more and more people needed books and resources. By the 1960s, the library had become too small.
The people of Libertyville decided they needed a bigger library. They voted in a special election called a referendum. This vote allowed them to approve building a brand-new library.
In 1968, the new library building opened. It was built right behind the old Cook House. This new building is now part of the Cook Memorial Public Library District.
A Museum Today
The Ansel B. Cook House is a very important building. In 2001, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places that are important to the history of the United States.
Today, the Libertyville–Mundelein Historical Society takes care of the house. They run it as a Victorian house museum. When you visit, you can step back in time and imagine what life was like when the Cook family lived there. It's a great way to learn about the past!
