Paw Paw in Van Buren County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Paw Paw Public Library

Photographed By Duane Hall, September 4, 2013

1. Paw Paw Public Library Marker

Inscription.
This building opened as the Paw Paw Public Library on June 26, 1920. Jackson architect Claire Allen designed the library, as well as the nearby county courthouse. Pennsylvania industrialist Andrew Carnegie donated $10,000 toward construction and required Paw Paw citizens to contribute $4,500 and to commit to long-term maintenance. In 1991 the library relocated. This building reopened as the Carnegie Community Center in 1995.

Erected 2002 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number L2114.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education. In addition, it is included in the Carnegie Libraries, and the Michigan Historical Commission series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1886.

Location. 42° 13.015′ N, 85° 53.447′ W. Marker is in Paw Paw, Michigan, in Van Buren County. Marker is at the intersection of S. Kalamazoo Street (State Highway 40) and E. Paw Paw Street, on the right when traveling north on S. Kalamazoo Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 129 S Kalamazoo St, Paw Paw MI 49079, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Coterie Club - 200 S. Kalamazoo St. (within shouting distance of this marker); Van Buren County Courthouse - 212 E. Paw Paw St.

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(within shouting distance of this marker); First National Bank of Paw Paw (within shouting distance of this marker); Van Buren County / Van Buren County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Service Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); Longwell Block - 143 & 145 E. Michigan Ave. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Engine House - 125 E. Michigan Ave. (about 400 feet away); Village Hall - 111 E. Michigan Ave. (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Paw Paw.

Also see . . .
1. Carnegie Libraries: The Future Made Bright. A Teaching with Historic Places Lesson Plan from the National Park Service website. (Submitted on September 6, 2013.)

2. Paw Paw Library history. Excerpt:

The Paw Paw Village Council submitted a grant application to the Carnegie Library Foundation Fund. Industrialist Andrew Carnegie’s library foundation helped to build 1,795 libraries across the United States. In April 1917, Paw Paw received one of the last of these grants for $10,000. Paw Paw citizens voted to approve a bond for another $4,500 for the building and an annual $1,450 stipend
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, March 9, 2023

2. Paw Paw Public Library Marker
for library service. A building site was chosen at 129 South Kalamazoo Street, but the war delayed construction. The Paw Paw Library opened on June 25, 1920. Newspaper accounts of the grand opening thank the many individuals and groups who worked to bring a library to Paw Paw. Clara Rennie, a member of the Coterie Club, served as the first librarian.

(Submitted on March 13, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)

Photographed By Duane Hall, September 4, 2013

3. Paw Paw Public Library Marker

View to north along Kalamazoo Street

Paw Paw Public Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, September 4, 2013

4. Paw Paw Public Library

Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 813 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 6, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 2. submitted on March 13, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 3, 4. submitted on September 6, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.