C.E. Brehm Memorial Public Library
Contact Information[edit | edit source]Address: 101 S. 7th St., Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 Description of Collections[edit | edit source]In 1992, the C.E. Brehm Memorial Public Library District took ownership of the Shawnee Library System’s genealogy and local history collection. This collection focused on the most common “migration” routes into southern Illinois. The Library has continued to add to and expand the Genealogy collection. In 1995, the Illinois State Organization National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution moved their state their library to be housed at the C.E. Brehm Memorial Public Library alongside the Library’s extensive Genealogy and Local History collection. Services[edit | edit source]History[edit | edit source]Library service began for Mt. Vernon, Illinois when women started a Shakespeare Club in 1893 to “improve their members and establish a circulating library”. In 1894, the club took rooms on the south side of the square in what became the second floor of the downtown Mammoth Department Store. The circulating library opened its doors on January 9, 1895. In 1899, when the city was considering establishing a free public library the club offered “our books, our bookcases and the use of our club room as a library, free of rent, provided we may select the majority of the directors of the Public Library”. On August 3, 1899, the Mt. Vernon Public Library was appropriated $700 and opened on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Mt Vernon Car Shops founder, W. C. Arthurs, and other local businessmen worked to secure a donation from Andrew Carnegie and the city accepted $12,500.00 from Mr. Carnegie. On April 8, 1903, the city resolved to “furnish a suitable site and grounds upon which to erect said building, and to appropriate, levy, and raise, by direct taxation or otherwise,” 10% of the donation annually to support the library. Property was optioned in Green’s subdivision of block twelve (101 South 7th Street) for $7,000.00. The city council minutes of August 3, 1905 reported the building (at a total cost of $15,562.00) was now ready for occupancy. The library has continued to operate from these premises to this day. Tips for Your Visit[edit | edit source]Guides[edit | edit source] |
