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CARTHAGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
circa 1902-1904
612 S. Garrison Avenue
 

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The Carthage Public Library’s story began in 1869 by a group of women who wanted a better life for their children. They established the Carthage Public Library Association, calling for the establishment of a public library for the City of Carthage. In order to raise funds, the ladies held entertainment events and lectures with guest speakers including the influential women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony.

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In 1885, the first permanent Carthage Public Library opened on the second floor of the Sewall Building at 121-123 W. 4th Street. However, it closed after only 2 1/2 years due to financial difficulties. Following the library’s closure, $100 of the Library Association’s funds were donated to the Carthage School District and $500 to the Carthage Collegiate Institute. The books from the Public Library went to the Central School Building, where a library on the lower floor would be open to the public every day.​​​​​​​​​​

Jasper County Democrat, August 30, 1884

Library Association building on 4th Street Carthage Press file.jpg

Carthage Press file

In 1900, community leaders suggested applying for a Carnegie Library. From 1883 to 1929, steel magnate Andrew Carnegie donated parts of his vast fortune to build libraries across the United States. The application was submitted in April 1902, and Carnegie would donate $25,000 to the City of Carthage. A Library Committee consisting of several key Carthage figures was formed to help manage the project.

 

In August 1902, Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Hall sold a portion of their land on Garrison Avenue and 7th Street for half its initial price to the Library Committee, requesting a memorial tablet be included for their daughter Ruth.

​​By January 1903, the design of the Carthage Public Library had been narrowed down to four architects: Garstang & Rea of Joplin, Frederick Gunn of Kansas City, J.A. Prather of Carthage, and an architect from Keokuk, Iowa who was unable to present his design. After much consideration, the Library Committee accepted plans from Charles E. Garstang & Alfred W. Rea of Joplin on January 8, 1903. The Committee took an interest in Gunn’s design, but determined it couldn’t be built for $25,000.

 

​However, Garstang & Rea’s plans were abandoned in April when it was found that the Public Library couldn’t be built for the amount donated by Carnegie, with estimates of the project being as much as $2,500 over budget. The Library Committee began accepting designs later that May, with Garstang & Rea submitting a scaled-down version of their original design, Gunn resubmitting his previous design, and a new entry from J.L. Heckenlively of Springfield. Despite the Committee viewing Gunn’s nearly identical design with disfavor, they ultimately chose his design on June 25, 1903.

 

Frederick Gunn designed the Carthage Public Library in the Neoclassical Style, incorporating French Renaissance and Greek Revival elements. Built of smooth-cut Carthage marble, it features a copper dome, beautifully carved woodwork, and stained glass. Construction began after the cornerstone was laid on March 1, 1904. However, Gunn’s ambitious design proved costly, as it exceeded the $25,000 that Carnegie had donated. Carthage citizens generously contributed an additional $20,000, ensuring the Library’s completion.​​​​​​​​​​​

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The Carthage Public Library was dedicated on February 2, 1905, with hundreds braving the cold February weather to attend the opening ceremonies, which lasted for 3 days. When it first opened, the Carthage Public Library had over 3,000 books, with 800 being donated by the Carthage High School Library.​​​

Library opens excerpt The Carthage Press Feb 9 1905.png
Andrew Carnegie The Carthage Press Feb 9

Andrew Carnegie

The Carthage Press, February 9, 1905.

Gifts from Andrew Carnegie

Carthage Evening Press, February 4, 1905.

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Elizabeth B. Wales, Librarian

The Carthage Press, February 9, 1905.

In 2003, plans were submitted to add an additional 13,486 square feet to the original Library building. A ballot to help fund the construction was passed, which generated $2.5 million, with an additional $2 million from private donors. The new addition to the Carthage Public Library opened on May 29, 2007. In 2020, the Steadley Family Legacy Center opened, which offers educational programs and access to technology such as 3D printers.​

 

For 120 years, the Carthage Public Library has been an important pillar of the Carthage Community. What started out as the ambitions of Carthage women wanting better lives for their children has blossomed into several generations of Carthaginians having access to literature, local history, and events that help bring our community together.​​

 

Credit:  Brady Cloud, Weekly Architecture Series on Facebook

DID YOU KNOW?

William and Martha donated property for the library in memory of their daughter Ruth who tragically died from consumption (tuberculosis) at the age of 24.  Ruth died December 2, 1897, just 8 months after marring Harry Vanderford.  The couple met while Ruth was attending college in Tennessee, where Harry was from.  After marrying, Harry and Ruth moved to Arizona in hopes that the dry climate would improve Ruth’s health.  William and Martha Hall had plans to move to Arizona to be closer to their daughter but sadly, that move never came to be.

Ruth Hall marries Harry Vanderford The C

The Carthage Press, April 1, 1897

William Hall to move family to Arizona The Galena Evening Times September 6 1897.png

The Galena Evening Times, September 6, 1897

Library cornerstone credit Brady Cloud.jpg

A copper box is sealed within the Library’s Cornerstone. It contains items such as:

  • The Centennial Edition of the Carthage Weekly Banner dated July 6, 1876

  • A Carthage souvenir booklet

  • Statements from the Carthage Foundry who helped with the Library’s ironwork

  • An aerial photograph of Carthage taken in 1901

  • A booklet on the founding and history of Carthage’s Public Libraries

  • A catalog of Carthage’s public schools

  • A catalog of the Carthage Collegiate Institute

  • A $20 Confederate Bill

  • A $60 Bill in Continental Currency

  • A picture of then President William McKinley

  • A list of individuals who paid for half the cost of the Library’s plot of land

  • A bound copy of city ordinances 

Description of the basement in the original building, The Carthage Press, Febtuary 9, 1905

Carthage Evening Press, Febtuary 14, 1905

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