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Statue to the right of the fireplace in the Oregon, IL library.
Statue to the left of the fireplace in the Oregon, IL library.

Oregon, IllinoisCarnegie Library

Statues flank the recently restored fireplace (not seen above).

This 1909 building is best appreciated in person. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, and is being renovated (May, 2016) for several reasons, most notably public access to computers and installation of an elevator. 

 

Unlike nearly every other Carnegie library, its upper floor was an art gallery, due to the influence of the Eagles' Nest Art Colony, of which Lorado Taft is the best known today. Its architects were Pond and Pond of Chicago, and the result is unique. Today the art gallery also houses the children's book collection, while the artworks hang above the custom shelves.

 

Photos Â© 2016 by Judy Aulik

 

Below is Bountiful Bench, sculpted by Christina Murphy, ca. 2008. It stands to the southeast of the Library's corner.

 

 

"Bountiful Bench" by Christina Murphy
Arts & Crafts style clock in the Oregon Carnegie library.
Oregon, IL Carnegie library, photo by the author, taken in May, 2026.

(L) Arts & Crafts style tall case clock with case of quarter-sawn oak.

(R) C.R. Childs postcard, never mailed. Notice the fine detail of the windows of its west wing.

Information from the Oregon Public Library pamphlet. I am grateful for assistance from Oregon librarian Deborah.

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