The Building

In many towns growing during the early years in Ohio, the Thomas Jefferson inspiration can easily be found.  The Saint Paris Public Library, built in the early 1930’s is a pure example of Classical design.  It has the key elements that tell us so…

·         Columns on the portico support a triangular pediment.

·         The columns are characteristically Ionic.

1.      The shafts are fluted.

2.      The capitals have scrolls (volutes).

3.      The shafts have classical Entasis (slight bulge).

·         The pilasters on the corners nicely simulate the idea of the typical classical colonnade.

This building has served the community well.  Initially it was a church, and then it was transformed into the town library.  The dignity, the formality, and the historical tradition are the qualities that the Classical Revival conveys so well.

After about fifty years the public library was expanded.  This expansive row of “temple fronts” was added to the west side of the original building.  The “temple front”, as it is called is the main hallmark of the Classical revival.  The “temple front” became a sign of prestige and was used in many kinds of buildings.  This addition is an excellent example of tasteful and well-planned expansion.  The temple front symbol serves to unify the new with the old in this graceful cluster of enclosed space.

*Excerpt from Saint Paris, A Town On High by E. Allan Ross

Current Board Of Trustees

Darlene Alltop
Patricia Cook-Geuy
Janet Evans
Joyce Luse
Jeff McCulla
Freda Roesser
Mary Putnam

       In 1936 Thurza Furrow  Kiser donated to Saint Paris the initial library building. This was a Christian Science Church and was then converted to a Library. From that gift we have built what you see today.

Later that same year Mrs. Kiser donated a $1000.00 for books to start our collection.

The library has been a community hub for our village and remains a favorite family place for all. Please ask to see our local history room complete with many interesting Saint Paris facts!

The Saint Paris Library, a community-based public library, will promote easy access to ideas, information sources, lifelong learning, and a love of reading.  These services would be barrier-free for users of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and education levels, as our welcoming staff reach out to all members of our community.

Adopted April 14, 2003

History

*Three years earlier (1933) Thurza's husband John Kizer donated the State of Ohio 1,200 acres of land to create Kizer Lake State Park.