I stopped at the Carnegie Learning Center to visit the former library as I am interested in historical architecture. The building is a classic Carnegie funded Arts and Crafts style brick structure, typical of some Carnegie libraries. (Andrew Carnegie funded 164 public libraries in Indiana over 100 years ago.) The building served as the town library from 1912 through 1991 and includes an addition which expanded space and incorporated an elevator to improve accessibility.
The exterior is mostly original, while the interior has been remodeled with no evidence of the historic contents with the exception of interesting photos of Andrew Carnegie and the building when it first opened.
A historical plaque outside tells the history of the library. Margaret Wade was the first librarian.
The building now serves as the Learning Center as part of the South Madison Community School system. Doug, one of the instructors, gave us an interesting tour of the building and described the Center's mission. The Center currently supports the education of around 20 students.
There is parking in a nearby school lot. The building is not open to the public during school hours, but the plaques outside tells the story of this historic building that continues to serve the community.
A new larger modern library stands a couple blocks away. read more