Library History

Fayette County Public Library Historical Timeline

  • 1893

    Citizens petition the Connersville City Council to establish a public library. The council unanimously approves a special tax assessment of ½ mill for its maintenance.

  • Fall 1894

    Miss Isabel Ball becomes librarian, serving until June 1927.

  • 1908

    Andrew Carnegie donates $20,000 for construction and $1,000 for furniture. The cornerstone is laid on September 22, 1908.

  • March 25, 1909

    The Carnegie-funded library is formally dedicated.

  • Post-1927

    Six local women form the Library Site Association. They secure an option on property at 9th and Grand (part of Conwell Square) for $6,210.

  • 1967

    The Fayette County Contractual Library is created by the County Commissioners.

  • 1974

    The Contractual Library merges with the Connersville Public Library to form the Fayette County Public Library.

  • April 3, 1981

    The current 21,522 sq. ft. library building opens at the same location (9th and Grand).

  • May 3, 1981

    Formal dedication of the new library building.

  • March 1894

    The first public library opens in a rented second-floor room at 5th and Central.