The Sullivan County Public Library is located at 100 S. Crowder Street, two blocks west of the County Courthouse.

 

This is the site of a historical marker noting that this is a Carnegie Library. The marker states the following: (paraphrased) "In 1902, the Women's Club of Sullivan was instrumental in forming a Public Library Board."

 

Andrew Carnegie, a famous American who achieved wealth and fame as a steel industrialist, donated $10,000 after the site and required local funding was secured. Cornerstone was laid on June 11, 1904, and the building dedicated January 19, 1905, with a collection of 1,222 books.

 

Built of Bedford, Indiana, limestone (known as Bedford stone) by architect Paul 0. Maratz, this library's domed roof is an unusual Carnegie feature. It is a stunning architectural achievement, both inside and outside.  

 

Sullivan County Public Library is one of the 1,679 libraries built in the U.S. with funds from Carnegie, and Indiana has more Carnegie libraries than any other state.  Additions and restorations to our library in the 1980's and the 1990's have been beautifully blended with the rest of the structure and the entire library is a gem.

 

For more information on the Sullivan County Public Library visit www.sullivan.lib.in.us to check out the large number and variety of activities and services for all ages offered by our great Library.