Indiana state library and historical building

Indiana State Library History

  • Period: to

    Indiana State Library

  • first official mention for a State Library

    Journal of the Constitutional Convention, "That it be recommended to the general assembly of the state of Indiana, to appropriate the money voluntarily given by the citizens of Harrison county to the state, to the purchase of books for a library for the use of the legislature and other officers of government; and that the said general assembly will, from time to time, make such appropriations for the increase of said library, as they may deem necessary" http://www.in.gov/library/2453.htm
  • Indianapolis becomes the state capital

  • State Library founded and secretary of state designated as librarian

  • library became a separate instituion

  • law books transferred to the Supreme Court to begin the Supreme Court Law Library

  • State Board of Education managed the library

  • Public Library Commission estblished

  • State Library and Public Library Commision united and placed under one director

  • special levy of two cents spread over three years with the hope of raising about one milion dollars for the cost of the site and building

  • site acquired for library building at the corner of Senate Avenue and Ohio Street

  • architectural competition held

  • architects selected and plans ready for the library building

  • Department of Education manged the library

  • dedication of the Indiana State Library and the Indiana Historical Bureau