Former State Librarian Jo Budler visited the Chillicothe Public Library in November.

November 6, 2008
Chillicothe Public Library

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On November 6th David Namiotka and I visited the Chillicothe Public Library located on Paint St. in downtown Chillicothe. This is a beautiful Carnegie building which, as Director Jennifer McKell is quick to point out, is “the other half” of the main library, housing fiscal and administration services.

The highlights of the building are many as you can see from the photos we took. The main reading room includes magazines, a young adult area and some of the public access computers. You will find some lovely touches of Carnegie buildings here in the window seats in this area.

It is worth noting, of course, that the Great Seal of the State of Ohio is a representation of Mount Logan, Ross County, as viewed from the Adena Mansion. You will note a banner in one of the pictures. The Adena Mansion is shown in the upper right hand corner.

Although it is hard to see in the picture of the entrance to the library, there is a beautiful stained glass art piece over the entry way. You can see a better photograph of this but this in no way is a fair representation of that piece of art. It is stunning and not to be missed if you are ever visiting Chillicothe.

This is a well-loved library as is evidenced by the many, many people who were using the facility on the day we visited. From the second story Jennifer pointed out to us another building which the library owns. You can see it in the picture I took from the parking lot. It is hoped that someday there will be an atrium which connects that building and the Carnegie building. What a wonderful place this will be for the community to gather for programs and to view art collections.

Thank you, Jennifer, for taking time out from a very busy day to give us a tour.