Ottumwa Public Library (1901-02)

The Ottumwa Public Library on the west side of Central Park, is one of 101 libraries in Iowa funded by Andrew Carnegie. It was designed by another Des Moines architectural firm, Smith and Gutterson in the Neo-Classical style. This style had become very popular following the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Many of the major exposition buildings were designed in this style, a new way of using classical elements. From 1900 - 1920 the Neo-Classical style was the perferred style for public buildings, and was used for many banks and churches as well. The library exhibits most of the major characteristics of the style, although some are in simplified form.

This two-story building rests on a high foundation and is constructed of gray Bedford limestone. It features a symmetrical facade with a projecting portico and a shallow dome located over the center of the building. This dome reflects Roman rather than Greek traditions. Unlike the rusticated stone of the courthouse, this stone has been cut into smooth ashlar blocks. Note the larger blocks of stone (called quoins) that are found on the corners of the building. Quoins were originally used to add strength to the structure, but by 1900 were serving only a decorative purpose.

The right front corner of the building contains a date stone (1901) just below the watertable. This watertable projects out several inches beyond the wall proper to ensure that water will not run down directly into the basement.

The entrance is located in the portico with monumental Ionic columns flanking the front doors. A broad set of stone steps lead up to the doors, perhaps a symbol of "climbing to achieve knowledge." A stone parapet surrounds the building, with a pair of volutes flanking a ball above the front entrance.

A stone panel above the entrance is inscribed with the capital letters "PVBLIC LIBRARY." The "V" reflects the Roman use of the letter V in place of the letter U in inscriptions. Immediately below the identification panel is the entablature which divides the walls from the parapet. This entablature features a denticulated cornice (a row of dentils, "teeth," as also seen on the Courthouse and Federal Building).

Often the use of symbols can help identify a building's function. In this case, on each side of the monumental columns we find a carved stone medallion containing an open book. A spray of laurel leaves cradles the medallion. Symbols have long been an important element in architectural design and another two of the other stone buildings around Central Park also have symbols on the exterior giving a clue about the building's use. 

The original doors were replaced around 1950, but the original iron scrollwork pattern remains in the rounded transom area. Monumental pilasters with Ionic capitals flank the doors. Note the stonework pattern around the arched entrance.

These windows are triple hung sash, with a "star" pattern in the top sash. This "star" was a very popular design element of this style, and is often found on bank buildings as well as public building. (Notice the windows of the First National Bank along the Market Street side.) These triple windows have the same type of stonework parttern that is found around the doors. This is called a "Gibbs Surround" after the English architect James Gibbs. It is an alternating pattern of large and small stones around a window or door, drawing attention to it. Above each of the windows are stones laid vertically, some at a slight angle. These are representative of the "keystone" often found at the top of an arched opening. Note that this photo also shows the dentils of the cornice, and the watertable below the first floor.

The interior of the library retains the original floor plan. It features a central rotunda, with reading rooms to each side, and the stacks area to the rear.

The focal point of the interior is the main level rotunda with its eight Doric columns on polished marble bases. This rotunda is located directly beneath the dome. This rotunda area is repeated on the lower level, with four columns providing support.

The use of monumental columns opens the space inside the building, with the rotunda flowing into the rooms to each side. 

The columns around the rotunda support the lower part of the dome. Above the columns is an entablature, with a lunette on each wall (or opening), and a triangular area in each corner known as a spandrel. These have been highlighted by decorative plasterwork and have been painted different colors to show these architectural details. The dome itself rises from this support area.

The dome is highlighted by a round stained glass window. The colors found in this window were in common usage in stained glass at the turn of the century. A few years after the library was built, Johannes Scheiwe, a German painter living in Ottumwa, offered to paint a mural in the dome, and allegorical figures in the panel under each spandrel. This dome mural was heavily damaged by roof leaks, and the dome was re-plastered and repainted following World War II.

The classical details found on the exterior were continued on the interior was well. This fireplace in the reference room is highlighted by a classical egg and dart motif directly below the mantle, and a cornice above the opening which features three rows of classical motifs: egg and dart, bead and reel, and acanthus leaves.

Although much of the library floor is now carpeted, the rotunda retains the original small hexagonal tile, a creamy white center area with a blue and gray border.

The railing on this stairway repeats the "star" pattern used in the windows.