Greenville Public Library

Greenville's public library is a one-story Carnegie-funded building at 414 West Main Avenue, completed in 1904-1905. Architect Paul O. Moratz of Bloomington designed it in the Classical Revival style, and J. F. Rees built it. The walls are cream-colored brick on a rusticated limestone base, with a hip roof, wooden cornice and a domed circular tower housing the reading room. The library stands on the site of the former Congregational Church. Its origins lie in a library effort begun in 1856 by the Ladies' Social Circle, later the Ladies' Library Association, which raised money through suppers and sewing sales and moved its collection through several rooms. In 1903 the group and city officials accepted Andrew Carnegie's offer of $10,000, which required the city to supply a site and tax for upkeep. Carnegie later added $1,000. The building still serves as the public library and retains much of its original interior layout, Mission oak furniture and exterior detail, which supports its local significance in social history and education.