CARTHAGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
circa 1902-1904
612 S. Garrison Avenue
The story of the Carthage Public Library began in 1869, when a group of Carthage women came together with a simple but powerful goal: to create a better future for their children through education and access to books.
They formed the Carthage Public Library Association and raised money through entertainment programs and lectures. Among the notable speakers they hosted was Susan B. Anthony, the nationally recognized women’s rights advocate.
The first permanent public library opened in 1885 on the second floor of the Sewall Building on West 4th Street. Unfortunately, financial difficulties forced it to close just two and a half years later. Its books were moved to the Central School Building, where they remained available to the public.
Jasper County Democrat, August 30, 1884
Carthage Press file
In 1902, Carthage leaders applied for funding from Andrew Carnegie, the steel magnate who helped establish nearly 2,500 libraries around the world. Carnegie awarded Carthage $25,000, a generous gift, but not quite enough for the ambitious library the community envisioned.
A portion of land at Garrison Avenue and 7th Street was purchased from W. E. and Mrs. Hall for half its original price. The Halls asked that a memorial tablet honoring their daughter Ruth be included in the building.
After considering several architectural designs, the Library Committee selected the plan of Frederick Gunn of Kansas City. Gunn designed an elegant Neoclassical building incorporating French Renaissance and Greek Revival influences.
Construction began in 1904, with the building crafted from smooth-cut Carthage Marble. Its striking features include a copper dome, carved woodwork, and beautiful stained glass.
The building cost considerably more than Carnegie’s $25,000 gift. Once again, Carthage residents stepped forward, contributing an additional $20,000 to make sure their library became a reality.
The Carthage Public Library opened on February 2, 1905, following three days of dedication celebrations. Its collection included more than 3,000 books, including 800 volumes donated by the Carthage High School Library.
Andrew Carnegie
The Carthage Press, February 9, 1905.
Gifts from Andrew Carnegie
Carthage Evening Press, February 4, 1905.
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.
What began in 1869 with a group of women determined to give their children greater opportunities has become one of Carthage’s enduring community institutions.
The Carthage Public Library is more than a beautiful historic building. It is the fulfillment of a vision that has connected generations of Carthaginians with books, knowledge, technology, local history, and one another.
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.
The Carthage Press, April 1, 1897
The Galena Evening Times, September 6, 1897
A copper box is sealed within the Library’s Cornerstone. Items contained within the box include:
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The Centennial Edition of the Carthage Weekly Banner dated July 6, 1876
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A Carthage souvenir booklet
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Statements from the Carthage Foundry who helped with the Library’s ironwork
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An aerial photograph of Carthage taken in 1901
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A booklet on the founding and history of Carthage’s Public Libraries
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A catalog of Carthage’s public schools
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A catalog of the Carthage Collegiate Institute
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A $20 Confederate Bill
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A $60 Bill in Continental Currency
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A picture of then President William McKinley
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A list of individuals who paid for half the cost of the Library’s plot of land
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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