About Marion Carnegie Library
The library stands on the site of the former "Grandma Cline" residence. This property was acquired in 1914 for the sum of $5,003.17 from Sarelda Cline and her heirs. The building was constructed in 1915 with a grant of $18,000 from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. Clifford Shopbell of Evansville, IN, designed the building which was constructed by Robert Sparks of Marion. It was opened to the public on February 29, 1916 with 1,162 volumes and 680 borrowers. Marie Williams Roberts was our first librarian. Mark Woodley was the first president of the board of trustees.
A mezzanine existed above the entrance to the library until it was replaced by the present stairs in the east entrance in the late 1930's. The top floor was an attic until renovation on the south half made it the Children's area in 1962. In 1967, the Children's area expanded to include the north half of the top floor. In 1984, the Children's department was moved from the top floor to the lower level so it would be accessible for the handicapped. This move eliminated the meeting room which existed on the lower level. This renovation also added a ramp to the entrance and one of the marble staircases at the entry was removed to accommodate a chairlift.