Williams Free Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Williams Free Library
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 Location in Wisconsin
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| Location | 105 Park Ave. Beaver Dam, Wisconsin |
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| Architect | Walter Holbrook |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000079 |
| Added to NRHP | August 7, 1974 |
The Williams Free Library is a historic building in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. It was once a very important public library. It was the first public library in the United States to have "open stacks." This meant people could walk right up to the bookshelves and choose their own books.
In 1985, the library moved to a new building. It was also renamed the Beaver Dam Community Library. Even though the old building is no longer a library, its unique design is still a beautiful part of the city. It shows off a style called Richardsonian Romanesque.
Contents
History of the Library Building
How the Library Started
The library began in 1884. It was first called the Beaver Dam Free City Library. It was located in a room inside the City Hall building.
In April 1890, a rich local businessman named John J. Williams made an offer. He said he would give $25,000 to build a new library. But the city had to buy the land for it.
The city leaders, called the Common Council, agreed on April 15, 1890. They bought two lots of land for $12,200. These lots were on Park Avenue and Spring Street.
Building the Library
Plans for the new library were finished in May 1890. They were drawn by Walter Holbrook. He worked for a company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The library's design was inspired by a famous architect named Henry Hobson Richardson.
Construction started in July 1890. The ground was ready by August. On August 26, the mayor, E. Elwell, announced a special half-holiday. This was for the ceremony to lay the cornerstone. Local Masons helped with this important event.
Getting the right sandstone and limestone for the building took some time. But the construction was finished in July 1891. The building was officially opened on July 15, 1891. Thousands of people came to the dedication. It was held at the same time as Beaver Dam's 50-year celebration.
The library doors opened to the public on September 1, 1891. Mary J. Doolittle was the first librarian. The library started with 4,500 books. Mary's sister, Hattie, became the librarian after Mary passed away in 1897. Hattie worked as the librarian for the next 47 years!
Library Grows and Moves
The Williams Free Library building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. This means it is a very important historical site.
By 1979, the library had grown a lot. It had 52,608 books! The city of Beaver Dam was also growing. The Williams building became too small for the library's needs.
So, the city built a brand new library. It was called the Beaver Dam Community Library. It opened on North Spring Street on March 4, 1985. The Williams Free Library then moved into this new, bigger building.
Dodge County Historical Society and Museum
Since 1985, the old Williams Free Library building has been used by the Dodge County Historical Society. They rent the building for a very small amount of money each year.
The building now houses their museum. It is a place where people can learn about the history of Dodge County, Wisconsin.
Gallery
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Front view of the building
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Rear view of the building
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The tower of the library
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An old postcard showing the library
