Morton-James Public Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Morton-James Public Library
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View from the north, from First Corso
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 Location in Nebraska
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| Location | Nebraska City, Nebraska |
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| Built | 1897 |
| Architect | George L. Fisher |
| Architectural style | Richardsonian Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001134 |
| Added to NRHP | May 28, 1976 |
The Morton-James Public Library is a special library building in Nebraska City, Nebraska. This city is in the southeastern part of Nebraska, a state in the Midwestern United States. The library is located at 923 1st Corso. People say it's a great example of the Richardsonian Romanesque style of architecture. In 1976, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical building.
Contents
The Library's Story: A Look Back
How the Library Began
In the late 1860s, many groups in Nebraska City loved reading and books. These included the Young Men's Literary Association and the Ladies Library Association. These groups eventually joined together. In 1882, they formed the Ladies Library Association. This group started raising money to build a public library for everyone.
Building the First Library
A local resident named J.W. Steinhart asked Joy Morton for help. Joy Morton was the son of a famous editor and politician, J. Sterling Morton. Joy Morton agreed to pay for the library building. But first, the city had to provide the land and furniture.
The people of Nebraska City raised $2,950. This money was used to buy the land and things for inside the library. An architect from Omaha named George L. Fisher designed the building. He used the Richardsonian Romanesque style.
Construction started in 1896. The building was made from rough brick with red-brown sandstone details. It was officially opened in 1897. The finished library was given to the city. A special Library Board was created to manage how the library would work.
Growing Over the Years
In 1932, Joy Morton gave another gift. A three-story section for holding books was added to the south side of the library. In 1970, the library's name officially became the Morton-James Public Library. This honored Joy Morton, who helped build it. It also honored Vantine James, who was on the library board for 38 years.
The library grew even more in 1975. A new children's area called the “Strawberry Patch” was built downstairs. Then, in 2002, a big $1.59 million addition was made. This expanded the east and south sides of the building. It almost doubled the library's size!
A Historic Landmark
In 1976, the library was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site. The building was important because of when it was built. Its unique architecture also made it special. It also played a big role in education and helping the community. Experts say it's one of the best buildings designed by the architectural firm Fisher and Lawrie.
