Ottumwa Public Library

A fine example of the Classical Revival style, the Ottumwa Public Library was built in 1902 and has operated continuously ever since. It features a smooth-stone exterior, a projecting portico with large Ionic columns, a central dome, and quoins on the wall corners. Inside, the building features a rotunda with polished Doric columns and a dome that still retains its stained glass skylight. The rotunda also features four frescoes of allegorical figures painted by German-born artist Johannes Scheiwe in 1909. The library is also notable for its association with philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who provided the funds for its construction. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

The library's roots date back to 1872 when the Ottumwa Library Association was established. Prominent figures of the community supported the library including local philanthropist and coal industrialist Peter G. Ballingall, who willed a part of his estate to the library in 1891 (he also led the effort to build the Coal Palace exhibition building in 1890 in Ottumwa, whose purpose was to showcase the coal mining industry; it was torn down in 1892). Another supporter was J.T. Hackworth, whose estate established a trust for the library in 1921.

Andrew Carnegie's involvement began, presumably, in 1899 when newspaper editor wrote to Carnegie requesting a grant for a new public library. Carnegie agreed on the condition that the city acquired the property for the building and pay, via a tax levy, for its continued maintenance. He sent the city a grant of $50,000 on January 16, 1900. Interestingly, the state legislature had to pass bills to allow cities, such as Ottumwa, with a population below 25,000 to tax residents for the library.

Johannes Scheiwe was born in Germany in 1849. He and his wife, Ellen, who was also an artist, moved to America and taught at Iowa Wesleyan College. They arrived in Ottumwa in 1879. Scheiwe won second place in a competition at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893.

Naumann, Molly. "Ottumwa Public Library." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. April 27, 1984. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/84001605_text.