Wilmington Public Library, Wilmington Ohio No. 1

The Story:    The Wilmington Public Library of Clinton County, one of 111 Carnegie libraries built in Ohio, opened on June 30, 1904.  Funded by a $12,500 gift from Andrew Carnegie, the original 3,360-square-foot building was constructed on a former community space known as Martine Field. While expansions have modernized its layout, the library has preserved its historic charm and classical architecture—standing as a symbol of civic pride and intellectual generosity. Today, a state historical marker at the entrance honors its enduring legacy.

“A Library outranks any other things a community can do to benefits its people.”  Andrew Carnegie.

The Rest of the Story:  In 1881, Andrew Carnegie began offering grants to communities eager to build public libraries.  His guiding principle was simple: if a town provided the land and committed to maintenance through tax funds, he would supply the capital for construction.  In February 1902, Wilmington requested $10,000—an amount Carnegie agreed to without hesitation. But as plans evolved and costs grew, the city made a second request. Seventeen months later, Carnegie generously increased his gift to $12,500.

The site selected—Martine Field—was well-loved by the community and carried a long history of gatherings and civic use.  Incorporating it into a library was more than practical; it was poetic.  While many Carnegie libraries across the country have been repurposed or lost, Wilmington has embraced and expanded upon its heritage.  With its grand windows and classical columns, this library serves as a living legacy of an era that believed deeply in access to knowledge as a public good.

This image is part of a greater portfolio.  If you’d like to explore more images like this, check out my Wilmington Ohio Art Prints.  In similar fashion, you may also enjoy my Clinton County Ohio Art Prints.

 

Sublocation:   Wilmington Library

City, State:      Wilmington, Ohio

Year:                2022

$75.00 – $440.00

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Product Description

An Ohio Historical Marker for the Wilmington Library highlighting its roots to Andrew Carnegie and his legacy

The Wilmington Public Library of Clinton County, one of 111 Carnegie libraries built in Ohio, opened on June 30, 1904. Funded by a $12,500 gift from Andrew Carnegie, the original 3,360-square-foot building was constructed on a former community space known as Martine Field. While expansions have modernized its layout, the library has preserved its historic charm and classical architecture—standing as a symbol of civic pride and intellectual generosity. Today, a state historical marker at the entrance honors its enduring legacy.
“A Library outranks any other things a community can do to benefits its people.” Andrew Carnegie.
The Rest of the Story: In 1881, Andrew Carnegie began offering grants to communities eager to build public libraries. His guiding principle was simple: if a town provided the land and committed to maintenance through tax funds, he would supply the capital for construction. In February 1902, Wilmington requested $10,000—an amount Carnegie agreed to without hesitation. But as plans evolved and costs grew, the city made a second request. Seventeen months later, Carnegie generously increased his gift to $12,500.
The site selected—Martine Field—was well-loved by the community and carried a long history of gatherings and civic use. Incorporating it into a library was more than practical; it was poetic. While many Carnegie libraries across the country have been repurposed or lost, Wilmington has embraced and expanded upon its heritage. With its grand windows and classical columns, this library serves as a living legacy of an era that believed deeply in access to knowledge as a public good.

Additional Information

Weight N/A
Dimensions N/A
Size

12" x 18", 20" x 30", 30" x 45"
Media

Framed Giclee Canvas, Metal, Photo Paper

Framed Giclee Canvas Prints

My canvas prints originate from the highest quality equipment and techniques which produce an impressively vibrant and sturdy print.  Features of My Framed Giclee Canvas Prints include:
 

  • Light Weight:  Lacking the need of glass and matting, these canvas prints are light weight
  • More Print for Your Money:  Avoiding expensive glass and matting lowers costs
  • Archival:  The pigment inks are archival rated at 95 years
  • No Gallery-wrapped Hazards:  My framed giclee canvas prints avoid the hazards of traditional gallery wrapped canvas prints (print edges easily mar and the canvas tends to relax and warp).  My canvas is mounted to a solid surface so it will never warp and the outer frame protects the print’s edges.
  • Ready to Hang.  Your canvas print comes ready to hang with single wire fastened to two sturdy D-ring hangers (quality D-rings resist wire tension vice eye hooks).  We employ a plastic-coated wire which mitigates corrosion, prevents stray strands from puncturing a finger, and permits easier leveling of frame.  In paying attention to details, we also properly wire frame with some tension which ensures canvas hangs close to wall.
  • Optional Z-bar:  For larger prints (if requested), we employ a two-piece mounting cleat in lieu of a hanging wire.  In this option, the cleat attached to the back of the print fits securely over the reverse cleat that you attached to the wall.
  • Watermark:  The final print you receive will not have a watermark.
  • Documentation:  I attached a certificate of authenticity to the back of each print.
  • Large Canvas Prints:  Though I can produce prints up to 40 x 60 inches, shipping in sizes 30 x 45 inches and above is expensive.  If you live in the Miami Valley, reach out to me about obtaining access to these larger print sizes.
  • Shipping Times:  Creating the print takes about 2 weeks and can be ready for immediate local pick up.  For those outside the Miami Valley, I have dedicated boxes and shipping takes an additional 3 to 5 days.
A front and back image of my framed giclee canvas print presentation

Metal Prints

People are amazed by these metal prints…from the reactions I witness at art shows and exhibitions, I call them “eye candy”.  Dye sublimation prints offer the following characteristics:
 

  • Incredibly vibrant:  My prints start with a white gloss substrate which produces vivid colors and enthusiastic comments 
  • Extremely durable:  Our printer employs verified archival materials, so if handled properly the print will last over 100 years.  
  • Cleans easily:  If cleaning is required, owners can employ soft cloth.
  • Saves money:  Unlike paper prints which require protective glass, there is no need to cover the metal surface.  With no glass, there’s no longer a need for the expensive framing, matting and labor which drives up the cost for traditional paper prints.
  • Ready to hang:  We attach mounts to the back of the metal prints which provide gallery-preferred hang points, and elevates the print off the wall producing a floating effect.  
  • Optional Z-bar:  For larger prints (if requested), we employ a two-piece mounting cleat in lieu of a hanging wire.  In this option, the cleat attached to the back of the print fits securely over the reverse cleat that you attached to the wall. 
  • Watermark:  The final print you receive will not have a watermark. 
  • Documentation:  I attached a certificate of authenticity to the back of each print.
  • Large Metal Prints:  Though I can produce prints up to 30 x 45 inches shipping is expensive.  If you live in the Miami Valley, reach out to me about obtaining access to these larger print sizes.  
  • Shipping Times:  Creating the print takes about 2 weeks and can be ready for immediate local pick up.  For those outside the Miami Valley, I have dedicated boxes and shipping takes an additional 3 to 5 days. 
A front and back image of my metal print presentation

Photopaper Prints

People are amazed by these metal prints…from the reactions I witness at art shows and exhibitions, I call them “eye candy”.  Dye sublimation prints offer the following characteristics:
 

  • Archival:  Our printer employs verified archival materials, where the pigments are rated at 95 years provided the print is protected from UV Rays. 
  • Flexibility:  Ordering a print on photopaper allows clients to make their own framing and matting decisions for the ultimate customization experience. 
  • Watermark:  The final print you receive will not have a watermark. 
  • Documentation:  I include a certificate of authenticity with each print.  Once you frame the print, your framer can attach it to the rear of the print.
  • Final Product:  I have dedicated shipping tubes to hold the print until your framer is ready to mount and frame the print.
  • Shipping Times:  Creating the print takes about 2 weeks and can be ready for immediate local pick up.  For those outside the Miami Valley, I have dedicated shipping tubes which take an additional 3 to 5 days for shipping. 
A cardboard tube with white paper on top of it.

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