For over a century, residents of Pulaski County have been served by a continuous tradition of public library service, with the Pulaski County Public Library proudly carrying forward this commitment to the local community.
The Pulaski County Public Library’s predecessor, the Winamac Public Library, was opened in 1905 as a small reading room in downtown Winamac, Indiana.
In 1915, the library was awarded a grant from the Carnegie Corporation to finance the construction of a new library facility located at 121 South Riverside Drive in Winamac. Construction began the following year, and the new library building opened its doors to the public on November 13, 1916.
Recognizing the growing needs of the community, the library expanded its services in 1953 to serve all residents of Monroe Township, becoming the Winamac-Monroe Public Library. During the late 1960s, services were expanded again, this time to nine townships in Pulaski County. In 1969, the library officially became known as the Pulaski County Public Library.
The library expanded the building’s physical footprint during a 1982 renovation, greatly increasing space open to the public. A 2008 renovation further enhanced the library facility with the addition of the Reading Room and an expansion of the children’s area, making this space accessible for library users of all abilities. This project allowed for an increase in daily programs and the availability of community meeting spaces.
As technology transformed how people access information and entertainment, the library adapted to serve its community in new ways. Free computer access, high-speed Internet, and public Wi-Fi all became staples of the library’s offerings. The library’s digital collection launched in 2010 with OverDrive e-books and has since grown to include audiobooks, digital magazines, music, streaming video, and online databases. As of 2024, electronic materials accessed through digital services accounted for over 40% of all items checked out by cardholders.
When a building safety issue required remediation of the library facility in 2019, the library decided to turn this necessary work into an opportunity by undertaking a purposeful renovation within the building’s existing footprint. This renovation, which was completed in 2021, focused on maximizing public service. The new layout reduced the square footage used for staff-only purposes and increased the amount of library space available to the public. This update introduced accessibility improvements such as a ramp to the back parking lot and an elevator to the upper level, along with the addition of the Magnolia Room, Delores “Dee” Galbreath Local History Room, Café/Lounge, and more spaces for community use.
The 2021 renovation was enriched by generous community support, including a significant donation to enhance the original Carnegie Library section and individual contributions from residents who purchased chairs for this historic space. These acts of giving demonstrate that Andrew Carnegie's spirit of philanthropy continues to inspire our community more than a century later – a legacy now carried forward through the ongoing work of the Pulaski County Public Library Foundation.
Today, the Pulaski County Public Library remains committed to its ongoing mission of improving service to the patrons of its library district, providing resources, programs, and welcoming spaces that enable the community to learn, grow, and flourish together.
