Neillsville Public Library

409 Hewett Street, 1914 Neillsville Public Library                                 #7

7_Library

Mrs. J. W. Hommel, a Neillsville resident, was formerly married to George C. Carnegie whose father was the nephew of Andrew Carnegie. Through her efforts, in 1913, the Neillsville Library Association received a communication from Andrew Carnegie stating he was ready to contribute $10,000 toward the construction of a new library if the City of Neillsville could demonstrate that they would provide $1,000 a year for its maintenance as well as a building site. Judge James O'Neill was made chairman of the library committee. O'Neill worked with Chicago architect George Awsumb, who designed the Period Georgian/Adam Revival structure, which also exhibits Arts and Crafts influence. The budding is rectangular with a formal symmetrical facade. A centered pediment, protecting pavilion provided entry. The side abled roof has paired side walled chimneys. Adam Revival influenced decorative wall garlands and wreath wrapped pavilion window add formality and elegance. In October of 1998, Midwest Living Magazine bestowed its annual Hometown Pride Award for Historic Preservation to the Neillsville Library for its sensitive library expansion.  LR

EL – The structure is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
LR – The structure is listed on the Local Historic Register
NR – The structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places