Library History & Timeline

1903 - Andrew Carnegie Grant and Cornerstone Laying

From Miss Ida Millikin's presentation to the Rotary Club - November 29, 1932 (as appeared in the December 16, 1932 newspaper article):

"Some weeks prior to 1903, correspondence had been opened with Andrew Carnegie relative to his building a library for Rensselaer. A reply to a letter of C.D. Royce dated January 13, 1903 from a secretary to Andrew Carnegie stated that if the city of Rensselaer would comply by resolution to maintain a free public library at a cost of not less than $1000.00 per year, and provide a suitable site, Mr. Carnegie would be glad to erect a free public library buidling for Rensslaer."

"On June 5, 1903, at a meeting of the Japer Public Library board, it was voted to present all the books and properties belonging to the library to the new organization, providing it would select certain lots (known as the Moss block), as a location for the new Carnegie building. This site was considered most suitable for library purposes on account of its central location and proximity to the schools, which are but a block distant."

In 1904 an Andrew Carnegie grant was obtained for construction of a library building. The Cargnegie Library cornerstone laying was celebrated with a parade lead by Grand Marshal David Yeoman. The cornerstone ceremony was conducted by the Most Worthy Grand Master, George E. Grimes of Ladoga, IN.

Contents of the Cornerstone:

• A History of the Public Library by Simon P. Thompson
• A copy of the program
• Pamphlets from the Ladies Literary Club
• Pamphlets from General Van Rensselaer Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
• Copies of The Rensselaer Republican, The Democratic Sentinal, The Rensselaer Journal, and The Jasper County Democrat
• Judge Thompson's article of the early history of Jasper County. (A copy of this was to have been made, however, it was not and the only copy is sealed in the cornerstone.)
• There were other articles included.

1905 - Formal Opening of the Carnegie Library

September 4, 1905 in Rensselaer, IN The Carnegie Library building served as the headquarters of the library system from 1905 until 1992 when the present 17,000 square foot building was constructed.

1933 - Library Board Pledges "Every Care" for General Milroy Collection

December 3, 1933 in Rensselaer, Indiana

As recorded in Library Board Meeting minutes: "Be it resolved that the Board of Trustees of the Rensselaer Public Library in accordance with the letter received by Mrs. Ross regarding the disposition of the military effects of his father, General Robert H. Milroy; hereby request that the Rensselaer Public Library be designated the recipient of these trophies and pledge every care within the ability of the Board."

Learn more about this special collection.

1960 - Bookmobile Service for Wheatfield and DeMotte

In the 1960's, a bookmobile began servicing the Wheatfield and DeMotte areas through a contractual agreement with the Rensselaer Library. In 1972, bookmobile service ended, but contractual service with Rensselaer continued.

1966 - DeMotte Branch Library Opens

August 15, 1966

From the Kankakee Valley Post - August 11, 1966, Volume XXXVI, by Gerald Kenning

"Through the efforts of the DeMotte Business and Professional Women's Club, local contractors and the Jasper County Library, a branch library wil be opened in DeMotte Monday.

The library will be situated in one of the rooms of the Kankakee Valley Post office building. The DeMotte Library was picked up as a project of the Business and Professional Women's Club early this spring and through the efforts of Mrs. Viola Stocker, project officer, the project slowly shaped into a reality. L

ocal contractors donated lumber for supplementary shelving, and services in erecting the shelves, while the Jasper County Library placed in excess of 2000 books on the shelves.

Subscriptions to the American Lending Library will keep the current best sellers as listed in the Chicago Tribune in stock at DeMotte as well as a free bookstand.

Patrons of the DeMotte Library may request certain books, if not presently in stock, which will be obtained from either the bookmobile, County Library or through the services of the State Traveling Library.

An additional cent over last year's tax rate will finance the new branch library. Total expenses, as revealed by the projected budget, will be approximately $4,271."

1968 - DeMotte Library Moves to New Location

February 1968 in DeMotte, IN

From the Kankakee Valley Post - January 4, 1968

The DeMotte Branch Library, housed in the Kankakee Valley Post building since it opened in the fall of 1966, will move to their new location in downtown DeMotte sometimes this month.

The new site of the library will be the bulding owned by George Konovsky which was previously occupied by DeMotte Hardware. DeMotte Hardware moved to the building formerly occupied by DeYoung Implement. Aproval for the move was given Friday evening at the County Library Board Meeting in Rensselaer, and a lease is expected to be signed next week.

Although the library has done well since it opened in the Kankakee Valley Post building, it has run out of room for book display. At the present time, the library has no more room for new books although several thousand dollars have been appropriated for new books for the DeMotte Branch for the new year. The new location will offer unlimited room for book display and it is hoped that within a short time, tables and chairs can be acquired for a 'reading and study section.'"

Picture is of the DeMotte Branch Library sign near the downtown building.

1973 - Wheatfield Library Opened

1973 in Wheatfield, Indiana

The Wheatfield Library opened on January 15, 1973, in the former River School, a 900 square foot, one-room schoolhouse.

1978 - DeMotte Library Opens in Former Catholic Church Building

October 9, 1978 in DeMotte, Indiana

From Kankakee Valley Post-News - 1978, by Allen Essex

After some delays in furniture delivery and moving, the DeMotte Public Library opened its doors Tuesday, October 9th.

The library, located at the corner of Birch St. and 9th St. SW in DeMotte, is a branch of the Jasper County Public Library in Rensselaer, according to Librarian Mary Whited.

"Our busiest time is from 3:00 until 5:00," Whited said. The library opens at nine and is open every day but Sunday and Monday.

Whited plans to ask the library board for permission to open on Mondays, but limitations on budget and her duties as a mother and wife won't allow her to open on Sunday, she explained.

1978 - Jasper County Public Library System Formed

The Jasper County Public Library system was formed in 1978 with the merger of the Rensselaer, Wheatfield and DeMotte Libraries.

1986 New Wheatfield Library Building

1986 in Wheatfield, IN

In 1982, the Jasper County Library Board decieded the 900 square foot schoolhouse was no longer adequate to serve the needs of the community. In 1986, a new facility opened with 6,200 square feet of space.

1992 New Rensselaer Library Building Opens

1992 in Rensselaer, Indiana

In 1992, a new 17,000 square foot building opened its doors in Rensselaer. The one-level structure is fully accessible and designed for future expansion and technological advances.

The Rensselaer Library houses the offices of the library administrators and the processing center for all three libraries. It also serves as the host site for the library’s Library.Solution (TLC) automated circulation and online catalog system which links all JCPL libraries and makes the materials in any one library accessible to patrons at all three libraries.

1993 - Newly Expanded DeMotte Library Building Dedication Ceremony

Held 17 April 1993 in DeMotte, Indiana

From Kankakee Valley Post-News - April 22, 1993, by Janet Mauck

"'We dedicate this library to the people of Jasper County with the expectation it will serve them well for many years to come.'

This statement by Jasper County Public Libraries 'JCPL' director Lynn Daugherty came near the conclusion of Saturday afternoon's dedication ceremony for the DeMotte Branch Library addition."

"The project, which featured the addition of 13,400 square feet of space and the renovation of the entire building, was completed last July. Construction had started in September of 1991."

"In her comments, Mrs. Daugherty noted that work on the library addition project had actually begun years earlier than 1991.

'It was in May of 1984 when Wilbur Doty [JCPL Board President] first spoke of acquiring land for future expansion of Rensselaer and DeMotte libraries,' she said.

During that same year, librarian Kathy Salyers did a feasibility study about whether the library should automate.

A committee, board members, community members, and staff came up with a five-year plan that recommended both expansion and automation, Mrs. Daugherty said.

In February of 1991, county residents went out with petitions and collected the signatures of more than 1,600 property taxpayers who supported the creation of a special tax to fund the DeMotte addition and the new Rensselaer library."

"'We're proud of what we've created,' said Mrs. Daugherty, who recognized the DeMotte Friends of the Library members and staff members and explained her duties.

The library's employees also were honored by Doty during his remarks. 'The library board strives to give the best library service possible, and it's my believe we have the best library staff in Indiana.'

Pastor Charles Gast concluded the dedication ceremony for the library. In his closing prayer, he asked God 'to help us guard this treasure.'"

2005 - New Wheatfield Library Building Opened

In 2005, having outgrown the 1986 building, we moved into a newly constructed 14,900 square foot building on Bierma Street, within sight of State Road 10.

Check out our photos of this construction project from groundbreaking to opening.

2022 – DeMotte Parking Lot Remodel

Check out our time-lapse videos of this remodel.