Warder Public Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Warder Public Library
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Warder Public Library from E. High Street.
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 137 E. High St., Springfield, Ohio |
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| Built | 1890 |
| Architect | Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge |
| Architectural style | Richardsonian Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 78002019 |
| Added to NRHP | February 17, 1978 |
The Warder Public Library is a special old building in Springfield, Ohio, United States. It was a kind gift to the city from a successful businessman named Benjamin H. Warder. This building is a great example of a unique style called Richardsonian Romanesque architecture.
From 1890 to 1989, it was the main library for Clark County Public Library. Today, it helps people learn to read and write as the Clark County (Warder) Literacy Center.
Contents
A Gift to the Community
Benjamin H. Warder (1824–1894) was a very important person in Springfield. He led a company that made farm machines, like harvesters, which helped farmers grow food. Later, his company joined with others to create a huge company called International Harvester.
Warder wanted to give something lasting to the people of Springfield. He decided to build a beautiful library as a way to remember his parents. A special plaque inside the library says that it was given for everyone to enjoy freely.
Designing the Library
Warder and his business partners had worked with a famous architect named Henry Hobson Richardson. Richardson was known for his unique building style. Even though Richardson passed away, the architects who worked in his office continued his style. They formed a new company called Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge. Warder chose them to design the new library building.
What the Library Looks Like
The Warder Public Library has an interesting L-shape. It is built from light brown stone from Ohio and has darker brown stone details. The roof is made of red slate.
One side of the building has a cool entrance with arches, like a fancy doorway. Where the two parts of the L-shape meet, there's a tall tower that holds the staircase. Inside, the main reading room has a huge stone fireplace. It's about 18 feet tall and 12 and a half feet wide!
Library's Journey
For almost 100 years, from 1890 to 1989, the Warder Public Library was the main place for people in Clark County to borrow books and learn. It was a busy and important spot for the community.
In 1989, the Clark County Public Library moved to a new, modern building. But the historic Warder Public Library didn't close down. Instead, it found a new purpose. It became the Clark County (Warder) Literacy Center, helping people improve their reading and writing skills.
Because of its special history and beautiful design, the Warder Public Library was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This means it's recognized as an important building that should be protected.
