Lincoln Branch Peoria Public Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Lincoln Branch Peoria Public Library
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 1312 W. Lincoln Ave., Peoria, Illinois |
|---|---|
| Built | 1910-11 |
| Built by | John J. McDonald |
| Architect | Hotchkiss & Harris |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 14000256 |
| Added to NRHP | May 28, 2014 |
The Lincoln Branch Peoria Public Library is a special building in Peoria, Illinois. It is located at 1312 West Lincoln Avenue. This library is known as a Carnegie library, which means it was built with money donated by a very rich man named Andrew Carnegie.
The building was finished in 1911. It was the first library building made just for the South Side area of Peoria. Before this, the library was in a smaller space called the Neighborhood House.
Contents
What is the Lincoln Branch Library?
The Lincoln Branch Library is an important part of Peoria's history. It served as a key place for learning and community gatherings for many years. The library helped people get books and information.
A Gift from Andrew Carnegie
By 1909, the old library space was too small. The city of Peoria asked the Carnegie Foundation for help. This foundation was set up by Andrew Carnegie to fund libraries across the country.
The Carnegie Foundation gave a large grant of $20,000 to build the new library. To help keep the library running, the city of Peoria agreed to pay $2,000 each year for its upkeep.
A Special Place for the Community
Construction of the library started in 1910 and finished in 1911. A local architecture firm, Hotchkiss & Harris, designed the building. They used a style called Classical Revival.
Once it opened, the library quickly became very popular. It even set new records for how many books were checked out each day in the city. The library also had special collections of books for the Lebanese and German immigrant communities living in Peoria. This helped new families feel welcome and find resources in their own languages.
A Historic Building
The Lincoln Branch Peoria Public Library is not just an old building; it's a historic one. Its design and its role in the community make it special.
Its Classical Revival Style
The library's design is in the Classical Revival style. This style often uses elements from ancient Greek and Roman buildings. You might see tall columns, grand entrances, and balanced shapes. This design was popular for public buildings like libraries and courthouses.
Listed as a Historic Place
Because of its importance and unique architecture, the Lincoln Branch Peoria Public Library was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 28, 2014. Being on this list means the building is recognized nationally for its historical or architectural value. It helps protect the building for future generations to enjoy.
