FIRST COUNTY LIBRARY IN THE US--
On the Lincoln Highway in Van Wert, Ohio  

In 1890, 12 women in Van Wert, OH formed the Van Wert Ladies Library Assoc., to establish a subscription library for residents in the area.  That library contained 1,400 books and became a free, city library in 1896 as a result of a city tax.

Meanwhile John S. Brumback who was born in Licking County in 1829, moved his family to Van Wert in 1862 and established a dry goods store.  Twenty years later he became the first president of a local insurance company.  In 1884 he sold his store and bought controlling interest in the Van Wert National Bank and went on to become known as a keen businessman and philanthropist.

He believed all county residents should have access to a free public library and offered his financial support to making that happen, but, he died before building plans he had ordered could be completed.

His family fulfilled his wishes and his son was responsible for the legislation passed by the Ohio Legislature approving the first tax-supported public library in the United States.

The cornerstone for the library was laid in 1899 and the building was dedicated in 1901, 12 years before the Lincoln Highway was launched.

To this day the library sits in a public park on the near west side of Van Wert on the original alignment of that famous highway.

It was added to the National Register of historic Places in 1979.
________________________
http://www.brumbacklib.com/