Tea in Eureka Springs
- When: Wednesday, September 22, 2010, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Eureka Inn and Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, AR
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: Not available
- Categories: Community, Culinary
In addition to shopping venues, Victorian architecture, Thorncrown Chapel, The Great Passion Play, music shows, unique lodging, tons of events, and other tourist attractions, the town of Eureka Springs is rich in history. Part of that history will be celebrated this year with the centennial of its Carnegie Public Library.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Andrew Carnegie founded 2,509 libraries in several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. According to the Web site, www.carnegie.org, he spent more than $55 million of his wealth on libraries alone.
In 1910 a group of residents from Eureka Springs petitioned Andrew Carnegie for funds to build a public library in the town. Carnegie agreed to donate $12,500 for a library, contingent upon the city providing funds for a librarian, books and utilities.
For a full century, citizens of Eureka Springs have shown their appreciation of Carnegie’s generous gift to the town by patronizing, maintaining, upgrading, and enhancing the Carnegie Library. The original stone building now houses not only books, periodicals, and newspapers, but internet access, books on tape, and a CD and DVD collection. The library sponsors children’s programs, book club discussions, and language classes. Materials not owned by the library can be borrowed through “Interlibrary Loan,” a free service which can access the resources of libraries across the nation.
“The people of Eureka Springs cherish their history. One of the most remarkable aspects of that history is the Eureka Springs Carnegie Public Library. How it came to be here in our little town, and how it has continuously served the community for one hundred years, is worthy of recognition and honor,” said Lynn Larson, a centennial committee member and past library board member.
“It is a fulfillment of Andrew Carnegie's belief that knowledge should be freely available to all, regardless of financial means or station in life. We are proud to carry on the legacy, providing materials and resources that bring the world of information to every patron free of charge.”
The library is one of only two remaining Carnegie-funded libraries in Arkansas. “There were four and now there are two that are still being used as libraries,” Larson explained. Morrilton’s is still in use as a library. The Carnegie Library in Little Rock was razed in 1964, and the one in Fort Smith serves as a television production studio.
To ensure the long-term existence of the library and to celebrate the centennial, events such as book fairs, teas, garden parties, and lectures will be held every month throughout the year 2010.
Free of charge, a Friends Victorian Tea is scheduled for 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 22 at the Eureka Inn. The town’s annual Silver Tea, which takes place during the holiday season, will be from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 at The Crescent Hotel.
In addition to the events being a draw, the Classical Revival-style building itself is interesting to explore for those who enjoy architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, and constructed of locally quarried limestone. The architecture of Carnegie’s libraries was typically simple and formal. Many welcome patrons to enter by ascending a staircase to a prominent doorway as a symbolization of a person’s elevation by learning. Outside, a lamppost stood for enlightenment. Eureka Springs’ library has a main entry accessed by two staircases leading up from each side. Two sconces with large round globes flank each side of the door.
For more information and details about events, visit the library’s Web site at www.EurekaLibrary.org or call 479-253-8754. The library is located at 194 Spring St. in the historic downtown.
