OUR HISTORY
After receiving the Carnegie grant, construction on the building began in September of 1902 and was completed in June of 1903. They began with a collection of approximately 1,000 books to lend to patrons that were either purchased by the ladies club or donated by local citizens. To keep current they also subscribed to the leading magazines in the country at that time.
The Danville Public Library began in 1902 on a lot at the corner of Marion and Indiana Streets in downtown Danville. Being the county seat, and having Central Normal College already established, local businessmen felt it was time for a public library to serve both the students of the college and citizens of the community. Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie offered to help communities build libraries with grant money and Danville was able to secure one to build the library. The Danville Public library was the first of four Carnegie libraries that were built in Hendricks County.
In 1928, Center Township merged with the Town of Danville creating the Danville-Center Township Public Library, a name that continues today. Over the years the library has grown in size with building additions in 1979, 1999, and 2016 making it the beautiful building we see today. The collection has changed as well going from 1,000 books to currently offering books, audiobooks, e-books, DVD’s, magazines, newspapers, streaming digital services, and computer access. Through it all we still strive to help build the community and enrich lives by promoting lifelong learning, inspiring creativity, and advancing knowledge through equal access to information. Maintaining that libraries are the main tool in building brighter futures as a resource for the community.
For a downloadable timeline of our history, please click here.