History

Although the collection was initially under the purview of the Secretary of State, it grew so rapidly that a dedicated librarian became necessary. In 1841, John A. Cook was appointed the first State Librarian. His notes on the library show that in addition to the original scope, the library had already expanded its boundaries. Works of world history, biographies of significant individuals, texts on science and philosophy, and incongruously, a novel by Walter Scott, appear on the collection lists.

Throughout the nineteenth century, the library continued to grow, reaching over 30,000 books by the end of the 1800s. As the Indiana State Library entered the twentieth century, great transformations took place. In 1903, the General Assembly mandated that the library be open to the public. This proved to be a popular decision, as individuals visited the now-public research library to satisfy their curiosity regarding history, literature, genealogy, statistics, and government.

Although the materials continued to grow in number, the librarians worked to focus the nature of the collections in the library. They felt that surely the Indiana State Library should hold the premier collection of works concerning Indiana, and they established the collection development guidelines that continue to exist today. Great strides were made in acquiring works of Indiana history, newspapers, maps, and family histories. For the first time, a concerted effort was made to preserve the works of Indiana authors, both fiction and non-fiction.

During this period of growth, the Indiana State Library also established a library school that offered short training courses for aspiring librarians and provided continuing education to those already working in libraries. Prior to this, librarians in Indiana had to go out of state to seek library training. The library school continued into the mid-twentieth century, until universities in Indiana offered library degrees.

By 1910, the library had outgrown the space allotted to it in the Statehouse. Despite this limitation, the collection continued to grow. In 1921, the collection stood at about 100,000 books and 40,000 pamphlets. The State Librarians of this era stopped asking the legislature for more space and started asking for a dedicated building. In 1927, their request was answered with a one cent tax levy for 1927 and 1928 that would fund the new library.

The state launched an architectural competition for the design of the new building. Architects from across the county submitted their sketches and plans but the commission was won by Pierre and Wright, an architectural firm in Indianapolis. Their Neoclassical and Art Deco design combined elements of classic and modern architecture in a four-story building that would house all of the library’s staff and collections as well as allow room to grow.

Construction began in 1932 on the Indiana State Library and Historical Building at the corner of Ohio Street and Senate Avenue, across from the Statehouse. The building opened two years later in 1934. In keeping with the focus of the library, many Indiana-sourced materials were used in the construction, including the limestone exterior, sandstone interior, and walnut paneling and shelves. The interior spaces featured murals depicting scenes from Indiana history and stained glass windows showing the evolution of the written word. Reading rooms gave visitors space to conduct their research. In the center of the building, seven levels of closed stacks housed the collections.

Throughout the rest of the twentieth century, the State Library continued to expand its programs and offerings, working to meet the needs of anyone who might need library service. In 1934, the library joined the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, which greatly expanded the collection of Braille books and led to the lending of recorded audio books. In 1963, the library was designated a state regional depository in the Federal Depository Library Program, expanding the collection of federal government documents. In 1978, the State Data Center was established, providing statistical information on any subject imaginable, particularly from federal and state sources.

In the present day, the services of the Indiana State Library are rooted in the 200-year history of the library. The Genealogy, Indiana, Reference and Government Services, Talking Books and Braille Library, and Rare Books and Manuscript Divisions continue to make their collections available to researchers and readers and continue to acquire new items. Digital collections and online services allow even greater access to the library’s materials. Service to libraries, librarians, and library boards continue as well through the Library Development Office and Professional Development Office, which provide resources, guidance, and continuing education across the state.

From small beginnings to a collection of over 2.5 million items, the Indiana State Library continues its tradition of service as a public research library for the people of Indiana.

Author — Jamie Dunn, Genealogy Division