I love libraries! The Lincoln Branch of the Peoria Public Library System


One of the things I missed the most during the COVID shutdown was libraries. I love books and quiet spaces to read, which seem to define a library. In Peoria, we are fortunate to have an excellent library system and I was overjoyed when it opened back up this summer. While I usually go to the Main Branch of the library, recently I was in search of a book that led me to the Lincoln branch.


The Lincoln branch was funded by capitalist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who built libraries across the United States. 


As the cornerstone indicates, the Lincoln branch was built in 1910.



In 2009, an addition was added to the library. As workers prepared the ground for construction, they discovered almost 100 graves that were part of the old Peoria Cemetery, which was operational from 1842-75. Most of the graves had been moved to Springdale, but some remained. Over half of the graves were of children. The graves that were in the footprint of the addition needed to be relocated before construction could proceed. Below are links from the Peoria Journal Star that describe the situation.



Above is the walkway that connects the new part of the library to the original.


Above is the original library. There are two clues that hint at this being the time of COVID. Can you tell what they are? . . .  1.) No chairs at the tables and 2.) hearts in the windows.


The hearts from the outside. We are all in this together!


Looking down on the new section from the second floor.


Computers waiting for patrons.


Artwork hangs throughout the building.


The library system recently instituted a no fine policy.


During the summer of COVID, a Story Walk was installed around the perimeter of the library.



The domes of St. Ann Church are visible from the library.

The library building is a Classical Revival structure made of Bedford limestone and Roman pressed brick.


It has Ionic columns and a triangular front facade.



Of course, no matter how spectacular the building, to my mind, the most important feature of a library is its books. I checked out the above from the Lincoln branch. "What Make Sammy Run?" was written in 1941. It's a good read!

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