Middleport Public Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Middleport Public Library
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Front and southern side
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 178 S. Third St., Middleport, Ohio |
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| Area | Less than 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1912 |
| Architect | Charles P. Kircher |
| NRHP reference No. | 86000033 |
| Added to NRHP | January 6, 1986 |
The Middleport Public Library is a special old building in the village of Middleport, Ohio. It's known as a Carnegie library, which means it was built with money from a famous businessman named Andrew Carnegie. This library has been an important part of the community for over 100 years and is even listed as a historic site.
Contents
History of the Middleport Library
How the Library Began
The village of Middleport started a long time ago, in the 1820s. Back then, the area was growing fast. People in Middleport decided they needed a public library. So, in 1908, they opened their first library. It was on the second floor of a business building.
A Gift from Andrew Carnegie
Soon, the library needed a better home. In 1909, the library's leaders reached out to Andrew Carnegie. He was a very rich businessman who believed in the power of books. Carnegie had a special program to help towns build new libraries. His organization, the Carnegie Corporation, agreed to give Middleport money for a new building.
The new library building was finished in 1912. A builder from Athens named Charles Kirchner oversaw the work. Thanks to Carnegie's gift, Middleport had a beautiful new place for books and learning.
The Library's Special Design
The Middleport library is built from brick. It has a tiled roof and a strong brick foundation. The building's style is mostly simple. However, some parts of it show a fancy design called Georgian Revival.
Architectural Details
Look closely at the front of the building. You might see a triangle shape above the entrance called a pediment. There are also special corner stones called quoins. Underneath the pediment and the roof's edge, you can spot small block shapes called dentils. These details make the library stand out.
A Historic Landmark
In January 1986, the Middleport Public Library was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's officially recognized as an important historic building. It earned this honor for two main reasons. First, its unique architecture makes it the most distinctive public building in Middleport. Second, it played a big part in the town's history. It's a great example of a small-town Carnegie library and a symbol of community activities in the early 1900s.
The Middleport Public Library is one of three places in Middleport on the National Register. The others are the John Downing Jr. House and the William H. Grant House.
The Library Today
Today, the Middleport Public Library continues to serve its community. It operates as a branch of the Meigs County District Public Library system. It's still a busy place where people can read, learn, and connect.
