Mooresville Public Library

Mooresville Public Library's History

On July 14, 1855, the 79 members of the Hovey Institute and Workmen's Library Association organized Mooresville's first library. Members agreed to donate two or more books to the collection (which garnered 150 books within a week), and each paid a 50 cent membership fee. The library acquired a $500 gift from the Estate of William McClure, late of New Harmony, Indiana, which provided similar grants to other Hoosier counties. The library's first officers were Jeremiah Hadley, president; Benjamin F. Edwards, vice-president; A. B. Conduitt, secretary; and M. H. Rusie, librarian and treasurer. The next year, Hadley returned as president; S. M. Rooker, vice-president; George A. Benton, secretary; and J. P. Wilson, librarian and treasurer.

Mooresville had to wait until October, 1911 before citizens rallied to establish another public library, when the Friends Aid Society met at the home of Mrs. George Carter to campaign for a new facility.

On July 3, 1912, the Library Board decided to request funding from the Carnegie Corporation, which provided $10,000 to construct the library. On April 18, 1913, the library leased space for a reading room in the Odd Fellows Building, which was where 8 East Main Street would be today. This was the temporary quarters for the library until the new building was completed.

The library was formally dedicated at public ceremony on January 27, 1916. The 4,000 square foot facility provided shelving for 6,000 books and an assembly room with over 200 seating capacity. The library's initial collection featured 1,143 books. This increased to 8,400 volumes (and 2,245 borrowers) in 1937. By 1969, the library housed 14,500 volumes. By 1988, the collection had grown to 32,000 volumes.

On January 27, 1988, exactly 72 years from the dedication of the "Carnegie" library, Mooresville Public Library moved to a new 12,000-square-foot facility at 220 West Harrison Street. The library's collection consisted of 32,000 volumes. The architect was Robert Porter and contractors were Jungclaus-Campbell. According to then Library Trustee, Harry Vogel, after looking at several sites, the library Board was able to purchase its number one choice, on west Harrison Street. Including the equipment, the new library cost about $800,000.1 The 1988 library building provided accessibility for disabled patrons and a community meeting room for special programs. Along with the usual areas for children and adults, the library also offers the Indiana History Room, furnished with refinished antique furniture from the Carnegie library, offering patrons extensive information on genealogy and the history of Mooresville, Morgan County, and Indiana. Mooresville Savings Bank purchased and renovated the Carnegie library building, which later became First Indiana Bank. Today the structure, which stands as a reminder of the historical value and importance of the public library to its citizens, is used for tutoring services.

In 1998 the Mooresville Public Library Board of Trustees engaged in several public meetings to determine the needs of its community. The current space proved inadequate to accommodate future needs. Following a feasibility study conducted by the Dean of Indiana University's School of Library and Information Science, plus public hearings and surveys, it was determined that residents were seeking additional services such as a computer lab, community meeting spaces, self-checkout, and room to expand our collection and program activities. On January 27, 2006, commemorating the 90th anniversary of the dedication to the Carnegie Library building, Mooresville Public Library dedicated the new expansion and remodeled facility. The architect was K.R. Montgomery & Associates located in Anderson, Indiana. The project was managed by Sunco Construction Company, Inc., a local construction firm. Today, the library's expanded facility offers 24,500 square feet which allows for collection and archival growth and the opportunity to expand programming and services. The expanded and renovated library offers an 18-station computer lab as well as LAN wireless access points, a 6-station mini-lab for instructional training, a separate Young Adult room, three individual study rooms, a Friends of the Library store, a community room, and a caf�. As part of fulfilling our Mission Statement, Mooresville Public Library strives to offer valued traditional library material as well as programs and technology that help create and support lifelong learning.

An Award-wining library
The Indiana Library Federation announced that Mooresville Public Library was named the 2004 Outstanding Indiana Public Library in the state. The prestigious award is given to public libraries who demonstrate outstanding services and collaborative partnerships within the community. In 2003 the library launched the MPL Got ACCESS Campaign. The objective was to raise the profile of the library within the business community by creating partnership opportunities beyond the usually �summer reading program� sponsorship model. Our goal was to remind local businesses that we share a common customer base and to pave the way for future partnership opportunities. This campaign proved so popular, we received letters from merchants thanking the library for the creative idea that increased their sales and brought the community closer. Of the 24 merchants who joined the inaugural program in 2003, all renewed in 2004 and more retailers continue to join the program, with more than 30 now participating. Library patrons were also excited: circulation and floor traffic increased at the library and patrons remarked on the �great deals� they received when they showed their ACCESS card.

Today, the library serves as a valuable community resource. The mission of the library has remained the same but the method and delivery of the services have evolved. The library supports its mission by offering a diverse collection of materials, programming, and services.