June 2025.
Sycamore’s public library is a very eclectic Beaux-Arts design, with an unusual asymmetrical design and reddish masonry exterior. It is an example of a Carnegie library. I think the library might be one of my favorite buildings across the town.
The Sycamore Public Library is located at 103 East State Street in downtown Sycamore, Illinois. It is bordered by the DeKalb County Jail to the north, State Street and the post office to the south, Locust Street to the east, and Main Street and the DeKalb County Courthouse to the west.
History
The history of Sycamore’s library begins in 1875, when the Chautauqua Scientific Circle was founded. (Chautauqua was a family-friendly education movement during the time.) The members were inspired to start a library in Sycamore, establishing the Athena Literary Society. That organization raised $700, petitioned the city council to collect books, and asked the mayor to establish a board of directors. These moves were approved, and City Council established a tax and a board in 1891.
The first library was located in Hoyt and Rogers’ store, in the back room of the second floor. It opened in July 1892, and the first librarian was Flora Dow, a member of the Athena Literary Society. Funding was provided by both the society and the city of Sycamore.
Historic photo of the library. (Sycamore Library website)
In 1902, Andrew Carnegie granted Sycamore $10,000 for the construction of a dedicated library building, with the conditions that the city would acquire a site and 10% of his donation annually for its maintenance. (Remember when the ultra-rich used to be somewhat philanthropic and cared about the education and well-being of the community? That way of thinking has gone the way of the dodo. It’s easier to oppress the uneducated, it would seem.) The building’s site was donated by Frederick Townsend, and it was designed by architect Paul Moratz in the Beaux-Arts style. The design is almost identical to another Carnegie library in Paxton, Illinois, which was designed by the same architect.
Sycamore’s library began construction in May 1905, when an ill Flora Dow placed the first trowel of mortar on the cornerstone. It opened on November 30, 1905. The design included a new city council meeting room, which had “desks of handsome oak.”
The library served the community for the following decades. Its exterior was left alone, but the library’s website claims several renovations took place. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Sycamore Historic District in 1978. A major expansion that was designed in 1995 tripled the library’s square footage. Designed in the Postmodern style, it uses similar materiality and massing techniques from the original building. Most recently, the interior of the entire structure was remodeled in 2012.
Photos
Here is the library from the corner of Main Street and State Street:
I don’t know why, but I love it so much when classical buildings use dark ashlar. It’s a departure from the typical limestone/marble/travertine and adds a unique darkness to the style. Usually, this kind of stone is seen on Richardsonian Romanesque designs.
I am in love with this rounded corner and its roof:
It is visually the center of attention, yet it does not dominate the surrounding library wings. I’ve seen similar designs on classical buildings before, but I don’t think I have ever seen one with such a unique roof. The red tile takes on a sort of S-curve and is crowned with a metal cap painted a shade of coral. The interior there has been altered, but I’m sure it was quite the reading room when it was built.
The south facade:
The original entrance is crowned by a broken pediment with dentils and modillions, but it is supported by Doric pilasters. This is a typical Beaux-Arts union of features from different orders. Much of the masonry is rusticated up to the cornice.
Detail of the pediment and sign:
Again, such a rusty color applied to typically light designs makes it special. These features are in great condition for their age, too.
The addition is a departure stylistically, being a more Postmodern interpretation:
Note how it attempts to create a symmetrical composition, as the rightmost portion effectively mirrors the original. It has a similar projection (though chamfered instead of rounded) and includes a denticulated string course. The middle section basically bridges the gap between the two.
I think this would be a good candidate for the larger National Register instead of just as part of a historic district, but I understand the altered interior and addition take away from what they consider to be historic integrity.
Sources:
https://www.sycamorelibrary.org/about-us/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sycamore_Public_Library
https://sharparchitectsinc.com/portfolio/sycamore-public-library-remodel/
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