Dedication of the Ives library building: the gift of Mrs. Mary E. Ives, New Haven, Connecticut

The Hon. Samuel R. Avis, President of the Library Board, accepted the trust, pledging himself and his colleagues to its care and maintenance:

This building will be a depository for books, but it will also be more than that. It will be a center from which books must be circulated among the people—all the people, including every tribe and nation who come to make their homes among us. It must be the people's university, and as the university of the people it must be kept abreast of the times by constant additions of books that disclose every phase of the world's progress. This means large additions of books continually, and if this is not done this library will only partially fulfil its mission. Therefore, it will be necessary for the city to give it liberal support. We have had bequests, the income of which we use for the purchase of books, and we hope this gift of Mrs. Ives will stimulate others to bequests of this kind, and we believe it will; but the city should make its yearly appropriation for the maintenance of this building and the purchase of books as though these bequests did not exist, for they were not made to relieve the city of this obligation, but to aid the library.

Video: Reading Increases the Imagination

Public Library, South Bend, Indiana

[LIB1833] The South Bend Board of Education in 1894, purchased a lot at the corner of Main and Wayne St. in downtown South Bend. The cornerstone was laid in the spring of 1895 and on May 8, 1896, the Library opened to the public. By the late 1920's, it was evident that because of its growth, a larger facility would be needed to house the main library. Tippecanoe Place was one of the buildings which seemed to surface when a new library building was discussed. Because of it's victorian features, this building become known as "The Castle". [Read more history here]

Special Collection: An Illustrated Historical Atlas of St. Joseph's County, Indiana This database is a digital version of the 1875 Illustrated Historical Atlas of St. Joseph County, Indiana. This searchable digital book includes information on townships, towns, and landowners throughout the county as well as biographical sketches of early pioneer residents. Engravings of residences, schools, churches, and businesses are also included. Free access! Thank you to this nice library, please support it! [Database]

1913 Public Library, Benton Harbor, Michigan

[LIB1832] This building, funded by the Carnegie Foundation, was opened in 1903. It has since been demolished. For more Carnegie Libraries of Michigan, visit Judy Aulik's nice website, Library Postcards: Civic Pride in a Lost America.

1906 Dickinson Library, Northfield, Massachusetts

[LIB1831] Early 20th century postcard addressed to Leila D. Taylor, Port Jervis, New York.

On June 9, 1898 visitors flocked to the library dedication at the Congregational Church by carriage, bicycle, and a large contingent by train from Fitchburg. The keys were received by Dr. Norman P. Wood, who was to continue as chairman of the library trustees for 32 years. After the Seminary girls sang, evangelist D. L. Moody, one of the speakers, asked them to turn toward the elderly donor and sing the Northfield Benediction: "The Lord bless thee and keep thee..." The final speaker, Rev. G. Glenn Atkins of Greenfield, reiterated that townspeople must now keep the library vital by saying, "I reaffirm that your responsibility is great." He continued,

"This library will be what you make it. You must give it financial support, give generously, regularly, and keep at it... Mr. Dickinson gave the library; see to it that it has a beautiful soul."

From a History of the Library, Written by Betty Congdon. [Website]

1914 The Talcott Library, Northfield Seminary, East Northfield, Massachusetts

[LIB1830]