Oskaloosa in Mahaska County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Oskaloosa Public Library
Architecture: Neoclassical
— 1903 —
November 5, 2023
1. Oskaloosa Public Library Marker
•Establishment of our public library was made official on March 7, 1899 with a voter approved levy tax as a result of the work of the YMCA and the Oskaloosa Women's Club. It officially opened its doors to the public on Monday Sept 8th 1903.
•In the genealogy room on the 2nd floor of the library you'll find a marble time capsule. The capsule was placed on Sunday, September 13, 2003, and is to be opened on September 14, 2103 - a Friday, for those who wish to put it on their calendars!
•The building's existence was threatened in the early 1990's because of pending lawsuits for handicapped accessibility and a movement to build a brand new library. The Library Board coordinated a successful public vote to preserve and modernize the building you see today.
•Our library is one of 1,689 libraries in the US funded by an Andrew Carnegie grant. Of the $24,500 cost including land to build the library, a grant of $20,000 was received in 1902 with Carnegie's only stipulation that the city would provide a site, all future maintenance, and that membership would be free.
Andrew Carnegie
Original East Door, early 1900's
The rest of the story...www.Oskaloosachamber/history.com
Oskaloosa Historic District
Erected
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. In addition, it is included in the Carnegie Libraries series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 8, 1903.
Location. 41° 17.586′ N, 92° 38.735′ W. Marker is in Oskaloosa, Iowa, in Mahaska County. Marker can be reached from South Market Street (U.S. 63) south of 2nd Avenue West, on the right when traveling south. Located next to the south entrance to the Oskaloosa Public Library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 S Market St, Oskaloosa IA 52577, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fire Station (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Spanish Torpedo (about 700 feet away); Mahaska (about 700 feet away); Oskaloosa City Park Band Stand (about 700 feet away); Woman's Relief Corps War Memorial (about 800 feet away); Trolley Place (about 800 feet away); Iowa Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Local Trolley History (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oskaloosa.
Also see . . .
1. Oskaloosa Public Library - Oskaloosa Historical Building Markers | Mahaska Chamber. (Submitted on November 17, 2023.)
2. Historical building marker placed at Oskaloosa Public Library | Local News | oskaloosa.com. (Submitted on November 17, 2023.)
November 5, 2023
2. Oskaloosa Public Library Marker, from the south
November 5, 2023
3. Oskaloosa Public Library, from the east
Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 17, 2023. This page has been viewed 46 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 17, 2023.
