Marion Carnegie Library

Here is the Marion Carnegie Library that is about a mile away from our house and just off the square downtown.

Hayes and I strolled up to the library Wednesday morning hoping they had a decent children's section, and we found a little jewel in our neighborhood. I knew the library looked really old from the outside, and I was a little put off by the neon "Open" sign at the side entry on this beautiful building.
I really didn't know what to expect.

The library opened to the public on February 29, 1916. It has undergone several renovations including a major expansion in 1997 that added 12,000 square feet. Almost all woodwork on the main floor and lower level of the original building is the original walnut surrounded the marble staircase. The woodwork and fireplaces have been retained.
The bricks on the exterior of the existing building were made locally and were matched for the addition. The clay roof tiles are the original, and the same manufacturer provided identical tiles for the expansion.

After looking at the staircase we saw some painted murals going downstairs so I assumed that was where the children's section was located. We walked in and immediately saw the resident rabbit, turtle and hamster. Hayes colored a pirate ship drawing and then we made our way over to the activities area. First we played with a castle with dragons and then with some puzzles. They have tons of different games, puzzles, activities, toys, a toddler computer and some stuffed animal characters from some classics. We finished up by playing with some Thomas the Train toys and reading some books. Hayes and I both enjoyed the children's section and plan on making this a weekly trip.