There are 164 public libraries in the state of Indiana that were built from 156 grants (totaling $2,508,664) awarded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York from 1901 to 1918.In addition, academic libraries were built at 2 institutions (totaling $80,000). We are proud that the Oxford Public Library is one of those Libraries.
Carnegie Libraries: The Future Made Bright Many Americans first entered the worlds of information and imagination offered by reading when they walked through the front doors of a Carnegie library. One of 19th-century industrialist Andrew Carnegie’s many philanthropies, these libraries entertained and educated millions. Between 1886 and 1919, Carnegie’s donations of more than $40 million paid for 1,679 new library buildings in communities large and small across America. Many still serve as civic centers, continuing in their original roles or fulfilling new ones as museums, offices, or restaurants.
The patron of these libraries stands out in the history of philanthropy. Carnegie was exceptional in part because of the scale of his contributions. He gave away $350 million, nearly 90 percent of the fortune he accumulated through the railroad and steel industries. Carnegie was also unusual because he supported such a variety of charities. His philanthropies included a Simplified Spelling Board, a fund that built 7,000 church organs, the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and the Carnegie Endowment for Peace. Carnegie also stood out because some questioned his motivations for constructing libraries and criticized the methods he used to make the fortune that supported his gifts.
The first Oxford Public
Library Board formed in 1912, consisting of William J. McConnell, President;
Mrs. Edith Lee, Secretary; Oscar B. Wilkins, Township Trustee; Charles Johnson,
George Voliva, Frank Lawson, and Mrs. Virginia Steele. Construction began in 1916 with an Andrew
Carnegie Grant of $8000. The lot was purchased from Dr. R.E. Lee for $1200 and
the furniture and fixtures coast an additional $1000. The Oxford Public Library officially opened
its doors on Saturday, October 6, 1917.
Miss Mable Deeds, Oxford’s
first librarian, was hired on June 24, 1916, more than a year before the
planned opening so she could attend the summer library course conducted by the
Indiana Library Commission. Miss Deeds
was said to have spent her life trying to get the right books and the right
people together. In a time when farming was the life of most residents, Miss
Deeds encouraged both young and old to value the importance of a good book.
Miss Deeds served as librarian for 47 years until her retirement on May 10,
1963 at the age of 75. The librarians
who have served after Miss Deeds are:
Dorothy Law, Ethel Stembel, Barbara Mahoney, Julie Frew, Amanda Dillman,
and Danielle Payne.
The library was
extensively remodeled in 1986 including the installation of new shelving and
furniture. The basement was completely
redone and converted into the Children’s and Young Adult areas. Public internet access was available
beginning in 1995. Wireless access
became available in 2010.
Miss Mable Deeds, Oxford’s
first librarian, was hired on June 24, 1916, more than a year before the
planned opening so she could attend the summer library course conducted by the
Indiana Library Commission. Miss Deeds
was said to have spent her life trying to get the right books and the right
people together. In a time when farming was the life of most residents, Miss
Deeds encouraged both young and old to value the importance of a good book.
Miss Deeds served as librarian for 47 years until her retirement on May 10,
1963 at the age of 75. The librarians
who have served after Miss Deeds are:
Dorothy Law, Ethel Stembel, Barbara Mahoney, Julie Frew, Amanda Dillman,
and Danielle Payne.
