Bedford Public Library, Carnegie-funded library in Bedford, Iowa.
The Bedford Public Library is a library in Bedford, Iowa, with a brick building featuring a side gable roof and a recessed entrance along the main wall. Inside are reading areas, computer stations, and shelves holding books and digital materials for public use.
The Carnegie Corporation funded construction of this library with a grant in 1907 as part of a nationwide effort to build public libraries across America. The architect Frank E. Wetherell designed the building in a style typical of Carnegie-supported structures of that era.
The library serves as a gathering place where residents borrow books, use computers, and participate in community programs together. It reflects how much the town values education and public learning.
The library is located on Jefferson Street and easy to reach on foot. It is open to the public during regular hours and provides free access to books, internet connections, and research assistance.
The building blends Colonial Revival and Renaissance Revival architectural elements in ways that were uncommon for small-town libraries. This architectural mix was challenging to execute, especially on a limited construction budget.
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