Carnegie Free Library

Carnegie Free Library

Carnegie Free Library HABS

Carnegie Free Library

1903, J. M. McCollum. 299 S. Pittsburgh St.

Connellsville's Carnegie Library is one of the more than 1,600 Carnegie-endowed libraries in the United States. Although it was built before Carnegie's design review requirement, it nonetheless has the restrained classical qualities so admired by his New York foundation. The square-shaped building is faced with Ohio buff stone and has a pediment above the central entrance on the west facade. Windows throughout are double sash and separated on the second story by columned pilasters. While only two stories on a raised basement in height, the building seems taller due to its hillside site. The second story housed the auditorium. A large square chimney on the north elevation vented the coal-fired furnace. The interior has dark woodwork, but is not highly ornamented. The rather severe building is surrounded by a small city park and several of Connellsville's many churches, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (1908–1911, J. C. Fulton Architect; 126 E. Fairview Avenue), First Christian Church (1897–1898; 212 S. Pittsburgh Street), First Baptist Church (1900; 301 S. Pittsburgh Street), and St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church (1901; 144 E. South Street).

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