About the Library
The Edwardsville Public Library has been engaging the community for almost as long as the City has existed. The library is the centerpiece of City Park in downtown Edwardsville. It offers resources ranging from books, movies, music and community rooms to book clubs, film clubs, technology assistance, educational services and many other opportunities for all ages.
History
The City of Edwardsville was chartered in 1819, and the first library services were offered just a few years later, in 1823. In 1903, Previous Mayor and civic-minded businessman Charles Boeschenstein wrote to industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and asked for assistance in building a permanent public library building for the growing town of Edwardsville. Carnegie’s check for $12,000 arrived by return mail.
The library soon moved from a room in City Hall to a brand new “Carnegie Library” building, which was built in City Park and dedicated in 1906. Land for City Park had been set aside in the 1820’s by Ninian Edwards and Benjamin Stephenson.