Free Library/Central Library

210 N. Carroll St.     Built 1905-06     Demolished 1965

April 21, 1874 In his inaugural address, Mayor Pinney urges the council to establish and support a free public library, starting with the 3,500 volumes offered by the Madison Institute, the private library that Mayor Keyes allowed to set up shop in the treasurer's office in City Hall eight years prior.
November 21, 1874 Council adopts ordinance establishing the Madison Free Library
May 31, 1875 City Hall ceremonies opening Madison Free Library
February 23, 1906 The Carnegie Building opens. Industrialist Andrew Carnegie had donated millions of dollars to support the start-up of libraries in the early 1900s.

June 1965
The current Central Library at 201 W. Mifflin St. opens

2009
Proposed New Library at same location

2009
Proposed New Library on West Washington Avenue

Wildflower
The bronze statue of a child about to plunge into the water at its feet now resides on the second floor of the Central Branch. Donated to the library in 1916 by Professor and Mrs. Moses S. Slaughter, the statue formerly resided in the garden along the Dayton Street side of the old public library building on Carroll Street.