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About EVPL
An eight location library system located in Evansville, Indiana, the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library system serves a population of over 170,000. The EVPL is a depository for both selected U.S. Federal as well as selected Indiana State Government documents.

History
For over 150 years, the Evansville, Indiana, area has been served by one library organization or another. In the late 1840’s the first library in Evansville was located in the County Court House, which led to the formation of the Evansville Library Association, an annual fee driven program. In 1909 the Westside Business Association convinced famed philanthropist Andrew Carnegie to provide funding for two libraries, under the condition the city of Evansville provided the land and continued financial support. Thus the East and West branches were born. Soon after, the libraries came under the direction of Ethel McCollough who restructured the library system into one which opened its doors to all citizens within the county. From an African-American branch to collection stations around town, McCollough not only instituted the programs, but also fought for the funds. Thanks to a county tax levy instituted in 1920, the library created new branches, a bookmobile, and additionally fostered a culture of encouraged philanthropy among the library patronage. It was during this period of prosperity that the Evansville-Vanderburgh Public Library began construction on the old Central Library building. An Art Deco structure, the former Central Library, now the Children's Museum of Evansville, was located in the heart of the downtown area, a few blocks west of the current building. The land was leased to the library by the city for 99 years at a price of $1.00 a year, though the library left the property less than 80 years later. This building spree was soon brought to a halt due to the onset of the Great Depression, but circulation peaked during this period and the library soon had record numbers to show.

From here, the library grew dramatically. From further initiatives within the community, to the purchase or construction of several new branches, the EVPL has only grown over the years. With the completion of its current building phase, the library has placed a capstone upon an institutional success story. Boasting three new state of the art facilities, the library has also updated older structures to meet the ever-changing challenges placed upon the library of tomorrow.

Central Library
In 2004, after spending nearly three quarters of a century in one location, the EVPL handed over the old Central Library, and moved into its new, monumental home (pictured above). With a generous 145,000 square feet, EVPL’s new flag ship location offers much more than the 725,449 items housed within its walls. With a café, children’s activity center, private study rooms, and outdoor eating areas, Evansville’s Central Library offers ample space for community and private gatherings of all kinds. In addition to its many public offerings, the Central location is also the home to the administrative side of EVPL operations.

With a circulation of over 800,000, Evansville’s Central Library is by far the most active of Evansville’s public libraries. The architectural partnership of Engberg Anderson Design Partnership Inc.and Evansville’s Veazey Parrott Durkin & Shoulders was partially swayed by community input in what the new building was to include. Keeping with library system standards, the facility is completely WIFI supported, offers LAN connection in many convenient locations, and has state of the art conference and meeting rooms with many technological amenities. Its close proximity to many area landmarks, conference facilities and hotels, makes Evansville’s Central location inviting to both locals and visitors alike.

East and West Libraries
The history of East and West libraries in Evansville is that of the EVPL itself. In 1909, a committee was appointed by an area business association to procure facilities for a library to be located on the west side of Evansville. The committee wrote to Andrew Carnegie, an American financier interested in funding libraries across the United States, and requested funding for four libraries. Carnegie eventually agreed to provide money, but only for two locations under the agreement that the Carnegie money would pay for the building costs, but the city would support the libraries with at least $5,000 a year. As a result of this process, an 11-citezen committee was appointed to oversee the process of construction and formation of the library structure. Within a year, Ethel McCollough had been hired as Chief Librarian. Each location is located adjacent to a park, both of which are still fully available for public use.

McCollough Library
Located on Evansville’s east side, McCollough Branch Library was built in the mid-1960’s to cater to an influx of building in that area. Today it is one of the EVPL’s busiest locations. Named for EVPL’s first Chief Librarian, McCollough Branch offers meeting space, an area for youths to lounge, and dozens of public access computers. Its close proximity to Evansville’s shopping areas makes it a popular destination for library users from all over town.

North Park
While it can still be found off the same street of its previous location, the new North Park Library is much grander than its predecessor. Over 20,000 square feet, the new facility was created in the arts and crafts style. The vaulted ceilings and rustic tone of the building does nothing to dull the inviting seating and amenities that EVPL’s newest location has to offer. Conveniently located across the street from Evansville's Central High School, North Park enjoys both a heavy stream of high school, as well as regular neighborhood usage.

Oaklyn Library
Originally located across the street from its current location, Oaklyn Library takes its name from a combination of the cross streets on which it can be found. Taking the chance to be innovative, the EVPL administration, led by director Marcia Au, risked the construction of one of their busiest locations in the Oaklyn Branch. The risk paid off in the Award-winning structure that was created. Built into the ground on three sides, the roof of the library is a wildflower meadow. The interior takes the innovative spirit further by incorporating an ingenious security gate that acts as both deterrent and art in the shape of a 20’ x 22’ aluminum and stainless steel sculpture called the “Cloud Gate.” Natural lighting as well as programmable rainbow lighting make this library adaptable in many different ways. Over 70,000 items and 30 public computers provide the area with accessibility and education.

Stringtown
Originally named North Branch, Stringtown Library was built in 1938 and has occupied the same location ever since. Offering meeting room space, internet access and over 23,000 titles, Stringtown is located within walking distance from Evansville’s North High School.

Special Collections
The Central Library is home to several different collections that are particular to that location. It is the home of the Indiana state and U.S. federal government document collections, which include U.S. Census information, Congressional publications, laws and regulations and Presidential documents. Additionally, legal and business materials are stored for local professionals in seperate collections, and grant seeking individuals have the Foundation Center to find current information on raising money. Another special interest section of the reference area is the Indiana Collection, which houses documents and texts attributed to the southern Indiana region. Held within the Indiana Room, a special area where the Indiana Collection can be found, is the SHOAH collection, a documentary series created by the Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by Hollywood director Steven Spielberg.

EVPL’s Mission Statement
The Evansville-Vanderburgh County Public Library, an essential provider of shared information and a core community service, promotes reading, lifelong learning, and economic vitality through its resources, services and programs to the residents of Vanderburgh County Indiana.

Related links
EVPL homepage

Friends of the Library

Administrative links