Children's Library

A library for the Town of Oberlin was a part of the vision for the Carnegie Library from the very start.  Indeed, it was one of the attractions for Andrew Carnegie that led to his helping to fund the construction of a new library. 

In addition to the library for adults, also called the “Open Shelf Room,” the original plans included a separate area for children, a new idea in 1908, and a lounge.  The children's library was referred to as "The Boys' and Girls' Library."  Mrs. Root was the first children's librarian.

The Town Library was situated on the main floor of the building, flanking both sides of the main entrance.  The adult collection was located on the east side of the foyer, and the children's collection on the west side.

A 1909 initiative by Azariah Root helped to establish a 1 mill tax levy to help pay the College for providing this public service.  However, assistance from the College Library also supported the  collections needed for public use by providing maintenance, utilities, the acquisition and cataloging of books.  In return, the "Boys' and Girls' Library" served as a laboratory by the Kindergarten Primary Training School.

Story hour in the "Boys' and Girls' Library."

Eleanor Owen was the children's librarian for many years and is remembered fondly by a generation of Oberlin children.

The center piece of the children's library was a fairy tale mural.

Article in The Review, January 7, 1949 about the mural.