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Summary
Cumberland Public Library
1305 Second Avenue, Cumberland, Barron County
Architect: C.H. Patsche
Date of Construction: 1905-1906
The community of Cumberland organized a library in 1898. The city council appropriated money annually and provided rooms to be used as a public library and reading room. In 1904 the town moved the library to a local school and requested funds from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation for a new library building. C.H. Patsche, a Minnesota architect, designed the building to be identical to his earlier Carnegie library in Fairmont, Minnesota.
Patsche's design was influenced by the popularity of the Classical Revival style. This style was common for civic buildings because it symbolized democracy, civic esteem and community stability. The classical elements include a portico featuring a denticulated, triangular pediment supported by Ionic columns. Pilasters affixed to the main building mirror the columns. Classical details are found on the interior as well. Ionic columns are placed symmetrically in the reading room and smaller versions flank the fireplace on the north wall.
The upper level is one large room that serves as the Adult Reading Room. A large circulation desk is located just to the left of the entrance. The staircase to the lower level is also to the left of the entrance. The Children's Reading Room is located in the lower level along with storage and restrooms.
The library hosted many educational programs, meetings and lectures. Many of the programs were directed to agriculture and farming. Social and political groups also used the library as a meeting place. The library still serves as the cultural center and social focal point of Cumberland.
The library is still in operation today and is open during regular hours.
Property Details
Resources Within The Property
Designations
State & National Registers of Historic Places
The State Register and National Register recognize buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that are significant in national, state, or local history. The State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with the National Park Service maintains the list for Wisconsin and makes the data available to the public for research and education.
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