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1906 Carnegie Library

112 S. Kansas St., Edwardsville, IL
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The original 1906 Edwardsville Carnegie Library is located on land that was donated by the city. The money to build the library came from Andrew Carnegie who funded many such library's all over the United States.

Unfortunately that building burned to the bare walls in 1956. The library was rebuilt but soon became too small. In 1964 it was expanded with a new north wing. Then in 1989 another addition was built using stone from the same quarry that was used for the original building.

This beautiful fountain was donated by Mr.& Mrs. Richard Bearden.

There is a Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker as part of the Ryan C Garbs Gold Star Monument and Veterans Memorial. There is a list of 77 men and women from the Edwardsville area who have died during military service since 1900. The bronze bust is of Ryan C. Garbs.

The Georgian marble 1912 Centennial Monument is located next to the library. It was restored and rededicated in 2012. An inscription on the front of the monument read "In grateful memory of early settlers who by courage industry and endurance transformed a wilderness into a land of order, peace and plenty".

There is a small band shell on the south side of the library

Photo(s): 2016