Willard Library

Willard Library has been serving the river city of Evansville, Indiana since it opened its doors back in 1885. At over 110 years old, Willard is the oldest public library building in the state. Built with a grant by local philanthropist Willard Carpenter, it was formed to be "a public library for the use of the people of all classes, races, and sexes, free of charge forever."

The library, housed in a beautiful Victorian Gothic building designed by James and Merritt Reid, is nestled gloriously near the downtown area of this southwestern Indiana city of 130,000 people, providing a sharp contrast with the modern high-rises and six-lane freeways. Willard has been a true icon of the Evansville community for over 100 years and was inducted into the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

On this page, you can see pictures of the library, search the Willard Online Card Catalog including our famous genealogy resources and the Thrall Art Book Collection, take a virtual tour of the library, browse a calendar of events, get a quick look at the fascinating history of Willard Library, and find out why many believe it to be a real life "haunted house."

We hope you enjoy your visit and we look forward to seeing you here and at the library!