Public Library

Public Library, 306 8th Avenue South 1903-1904; Patton & Miller, Architects, of Chicago; Daniel Haring, Builder.A two-story building with basement, the library has exterior walls of cut and dressed limestone. A matching addition to the rear houses the main two-level stack area. Other exterior changes include a "modern" canopy and entry at grade level to the basement. The main doors to the library have been replaced with modern aluminum ones, and pipe railing have been added to the entry steps.Of eclectic design in the Beaux Arts Classicism Style manner, the library has a monumental entry with professional steps and flanking, paired columns. Symemetry of design and borrowing of Greek and Roman—inspired elements complete the composition. The design was the work of Chicago architects, Patton and Miller. They designed many Carnegie libraries in the Midwest in the early part of this century, including the old library at Mason City, Iowa (which is very similar in design to Clinton's) and the library in Charles City, Iowa.