Danville Public Library (Danville, Illinois) facts for kids
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Quick facts for kids |
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Danville Public Library
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The old Carnegie Library, now the Vermilion County War Museum
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 307 N. Vermillion St., Danville, Illinois |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1904 |
| Architectural style | Beaux Arts |
| NRHP reference No. | 78003064 |
| Added to NRHP | November 30, 1978 |
The Danville Public Library is a special place in Danville, Illinois. It's a library where you can find books, learn new things, and explore different worlds! This library has a long and interesting history, starting way back in 1883.
At first, the library was in rented rooms in downtown Danville. But on November 7, 1904, a brand-new building opened. This was a Carnegie library, built with money from a famous businessman named Andrew Carnegie. This beautiful building served the community for 91 years.
A Look at the Old Library Building
The original library building, opened in 1904, had a special design called Beaux-Arts. This style often includes grand features. For example, it had tall columns next to the front doors. It also had a decorative wall above the entrance.
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In 1929, the library got even bigger. This was possible thanks to a generous gift from a person named Augustus Webster. This expansion helped the library offer even more to the people of Danville.
The New Library Opens
After many years, a new library building was needed. Construction on this new building started in 1994. It was built just north of the old Carnegie library. The new building was finished in 1995.
The grand opening of the new Danville Public Library happened on November 7, 1995. This was exactly 91 years after the first Carnegie library opened its doors!
What Happened to the Old Building?
The old Carnegie library building is still standing today. It's no longer a public library. Instead, it has a new purpose. It now serves as the Vermilion County War Museum. This museum helps people learn about history.
