Vienna Public Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Vienna Public Library
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Front of the library
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 401 Poplar St., Vienna, Illinois |
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| Built | 1911 |
| Built by | Davis and Bellamy |
| Architect | Clymer, Thomas |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| MPS | MPL015 - Illinois Carnegie Libraries Multiple Property Submission |
| NRHP reference No. | 94001603 |
| Added to NRHP | January 24, 1995 |
The Vienna Public Library, also known as the Vienna Carnegie Library, is a special building in Vienna, Illinois. It stands at 401 Poplar Street. This library was built in 1911 with a grant from the Carnegie Foundation. It has served the community of Vienna for over a hundred years.
Contents
Discover the Vienna Library's History
The Vienna Public Library has a rich history. It started long before its current building was constructed.
How the Library Began
The idea for a library in Vienna began in 1895. Before 1911, the library moved around to different local buildings. It did not have a permanent home. The new building gave the library a stable place to be.
Andrew Carnegie's Gift
The library building was made possible by a $5,000 grant. This money came from the Carnegie Foundation. Andrew Carnegie was a very rich businessman. He believed in helping communities by funding libraries. Libraries built with his money are called Carnegie libraries.
Building Design and Features
Local architect Thomas Clymer designed the library. It is made of brick. The building has a tall set of stairs leading to the front door. Two large, flat columns, called pilasters, stand on either side of the staircase. This design makes the building look grand and important.
More Than Just Books
The Vienna Public Library building has been used for many different things over the years. It has served the community in various ways.
A Place for Health
The library building has helped with public health.
- In 1917, during an influenza outbreak, the American Red Cross used the building. It served as their main office to help people who were sick.
- From 1936 to 1964, a special clinic operated in the basement. This clinic helped people with trachoma, an eye condition.
Community Hub Uses
The building has also been a meeting place for many groups.
- It was once used as a gym.
- City services have used the building as their headquarters.
- Several women's organizations held their meetings there.
- The Johnson County Historical Society also used it as a meeting spot.
A Historic Landmark
The Vienna Public Library is recognized as an important historic site.
National Register of Historic Places
On January 24, 1995, the library was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. Being on this list helps protect the building.
Other Local Landmarks
The Vienna Public Library is one of only two buildings in Johnson County on this list. The other historic building is the Johnson County Courthouse.
