The Lincoln Carnegie Library

In 1901 the City of Lincoln received the grant for a new library. Combined with the donation by will of a home and two lots by Isabel Nash and gifts by Stephen Foley, the City and Lincoln Public Library constructed a "classic" , style library structure designed by W. A. Otis, of Chicago, in Lincoln, IL. Other than maintenance and alterations not affecting the structure's character, the only significant change has been the remodeling and opening of the basement during 1972-1974.

Lincoln Public Library's history typifies the combination of national wealth, grass roots initiative, and cultural ideals which generated the free library movement and its goal of a free and educated American society. The Lincoln Public Library was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.