Warder Public Library, library
Warder Public Library is a library building in Springfield, Ohio, constructed from buff sandstone in Richardsonian Romanesque style with solid stonework, rounded arches, and a distinctive tower at the corner. Inside, a large reading room with a wood-beamed ceiling features a carved stone fireplace, while the upper floor contains a meeting room accessible by a tower staircase.
Built in 1890 by industrialist Benjamin Warder as a gift to Springfield in memory of his parents, the structure served as the main library branch for decades. The library relocated to a new building in 1989, and the historic structure now functions as the Clark County Literacy Center.
The building is named after Benjamin Warder, a wealthy industrialist who donated it to his town as a gift. A plaque inside explains that he created it as a monument to his parents and wanted the community to use it freely.
The building sits on a busy street corner and is easy to locate and reach. The rooms are well-lit with large windows that bring in daylight, making it comfortable to walk through and explore the space.
The building features intricate stonework carvings, including sculpted animal figures and heads adorning doorways and along the cornice, meant to symbolize wisdom and knowledge. These crafted details often escape the notice of visitors at first glance but are central to the structure's artistic character.
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