Willard Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Willard Library
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Front and southern side of the library
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 Location in Indiana
Location in the United States
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| Location | 21 1st Ave., Evansville, Indiana |
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| Area | 4.5 acres (1.8 ha) |
| Built | 1877 |
| Architect | James W. Reid (Reid & Reid) |
| Architectural style | Victorian Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000014 |
| Added to NRHP | September 28, 1972 |
The Willard Library is a special library in Evansville, Indiana. It opened in 1881 thanks to a generous gift from a private trust. This library is home to many old local records and family history documents, along with its regular books. The building itself is beautiful, designed in the Gothic Revival style by James W. Reid. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, meaning it's an important historical site.
Contents
History of Willard Library
Willard Carpenter, a person known for his kindness in Evansville, built and funded the Willard Library. In 1876, he set up a special fund for it. He wrote that he wanted to create a public library in a park he owned. He hoped it would help people in Evansville learn more and enjoy art.
A Library for Everyone
Before the American Civil War, Mr. Carpenter helped people escape slavery through the Underground Railroad. He wanted the library to be "free for all persons who may desire to consult it." This idea of a "public" library for everyone was very new and brave in the 1800s. It meant that people of all backgrounds could use it.
How the Library Got Its Name
The library is called "Willard Library" instead of "Carpenter Library." This is because Willard Carpenter admired the Emma Willard School in Troy, New York. This school was for girls and was founded by Emma Willard. Carpenter decided to create an educational place and name it "Willard." Even though he first thought about building a college, he later decided to build a library instead.
Building the Library
Construction on the library began in 1876. It was built at First Avenue and Pennsylvania Streets, in a field where circuses used to set up their tents. But then, the economy slowed down in 1877, and building stopped. The foundation of the library sat unfinished for five years.
Work started again in 1882. Carpenter spent the rest of his life making sure the building was perfect. He worked with the architects, hired the workers himself, and made sure only the best materials were used. The architects Reid & Reid designed the main part of the building. The library officially opened its doors on March 28, 1885.
Architecture of the Building
The Willard Library building shows off the special look of Victorian Gothic style.
Key Architectural Features
Some cool features of this style include:
- A tall tower.
- Steep roofs with fancy decorations called gables.
- A mix of white stone and brick, which creates a nice color contrast.
- Rows of windows with pointed Gothic arches.
The tops of the columns supporting the arches were meant to have carvings, but they were never finished. You can also see lots of terra cotta (a type of baked clay) used for decorations outside. Look for rosettes (flower shapes) and owls (which stand for wisdom) in round designs on the side gables.
Inside the Library
Inside, the wood is made of beautiful, high-quality oak. The doorways and the grand staircase make a big, impressive entrance. They also show off the Victorian Gothic style.
Family History Collections
The Willard Library has a huge collection of genealogy (family history) and local history items on its second floor. This special section opened in 1976.
What You Can Find Here
The collections include:
- Information from all fifty states.
- Family histories in books, microfilms, old papers, and loose documents.
- Newspapers from Vanderburgh County from 1821 until today.
- Newspapers from nearby counties.
- Records from Vanderburgh County (on microfilm).
- Church records in different forms.
- Catholic Diocese records (on microfilm).
- Records from local cemeteries and funeral homes.
- A collection of books from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
- Access to online tools like Heritage Quest, Genealogy Bank, and Ancestry Library.
The library also hosts an event called "Midnight Madness" once a year in October. During this week, the library stays open until midnight so people can do their research. People who study family history come from all over to use these amazing resources.
The Tri-State Genealogical Society works with the library's special collections department. They publish a newsletter for their members four times a year.
How the Library is Run
The Willard Library is managed by a group of seven directors. These directors choose new members themselves when someone leaves. The library has always been, and still is, free for people living in Vanderburgh County and nearby areas. It also gets some money from public taxes. However, the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library must approve this tax money.
Haunted Stories
The Willard Library is said to be haunted by a ghost known as the "Lady in Grey." Since 1999, the library has had a popular webcam that lets people see different parts of the building. In mid-October, the library offers a free ghost tour every year.
