Savanna in Carroll County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Savanna Public Library

Carnegie Library

Photographed By Paul Mayer, September 2, 2013

1. Savanna Public Library Exterior View

Inscription. Savanna Public Library

Erected 1905 by L.W. Bowen, Architect.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Carnegie Libraries series list.

Location. 42° 5.663′ N, 90° 9.314′ W. Marker is in Savanna, Illinois, in Carroll County. Marker is at the intersection of 3rd Street and Madison Street, on the right when traveling north on 3rd Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 326 3rd Street, Savanna IL 61074, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Savanna Community World War II Honor Roll (here, next to this marker); Gettysburg Address (here, next to this marker); Helen Scott Hay (a few steps from this marker); Pierce Wigwam (approx. half a mile away); Savanna Community Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.7 miles away); Plum River Falls (approx. 1.7 miles away); Lewistown Trail (approx. 5.8 miles away); Savanna Army Depot Activity (approx. 7.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Savanna.

Regarding Savanna Public Library. On March 27, 1902, knowing of Andrew Carnegie's "desire to aid in establishing library buildings in the cities and towns

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of the United States which are willing to pledge themselves to their support," Alice M. Bowen and Sarah G. Bowman wrote to the industrialist requesting his assistance. "At present we are occupying two rented rooms and in a year or two at the longest we shall have outgrown our quarters for the third time. It is our desire when the time comes tor another change to be able to move into a permanent library building." On April 23, James Bertram responded with a promise of
$10,000.

In April the citizens of Savanna voted by a large majority to convert their seven-year-old city library into a township library. One year later, on April 15, 1904, the first library board was elected, an annual maintenance fee of $1,100 was raised, and a building site was donated by the city, L. W. Bowen was engaged as the architect tor the project.

Construction of the new library was completed in 1905 at a cost in excess of the amount donated by the Carnegie Corporation. Correspondence with Carnegie was renewed, and on December 15, 1905, the amount of the gift was increased to $11,350.

Also see . . .
1. Andrew Carnegie. Courtesy:: "Herald Films" is a video tribute to Andrew Carnegie's thoughts, photos, and locations. In his day - the richest man in the world "Gave It Away". (Submitted on September 4, 2013.)

2. Video - Biography of Andrew Carnegie (Courtesy - YouTube):.

Savanna Public Library Plaque on Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Paul Mayer, September 2, 2013

2. Savanna Public Library Plaque on Entrance

(Submitted on September 4, 2013.)

Savanna Public Library Interior View image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Paul Mayer, September 3, 2013

3. Savanna Public Library Interior View

Photographed By Paul Mayer, September 3, 2013

4. Savanna Public Library Interior View

Savanna Public Library Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Paul Mayer, September 3, 2013

5. Savanna Public Library Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2013, by Paul Mayer of Savanna, Illinois. This page has been viewed 527 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 3, 2013, by Paul Mayer of Savanna, Illinois. • Al Wolf was the editor who published this page.