Reading The Ridge - Tiny Carnegie Library makes due on a tight budget

Carnegie Library has waned little over the ensuing decades, locals say.

"It plays a very active role in the community," patron Rachel Heron said. "It's vital because it offers something to the entire community, where a lot of people might not normally have access. It attracts people of all ages."

carnegie1 Ridge Farm's may be the second smallest Carnegie library in the nation -Piatt County in Illinois has the smallest, according to Parkland Community College librarian Raymond Bia! - but it still serves an important role for about 1,100 area residents.

About 80 people from Ridge Farm, Vermilion Grove, Olivet and Elwood Township use the library each week, according to librarian Cindy Gallagher.

Use of the library has remained at a constant ra􀀳e. library treasurer Jack Cavanaugh estimates.

Anna Cole's grandson, 91-year-old Cole Morton, remembers the goal of his grandmother - a member of the Chatauqua Reading Circle - becominga reality.

"I can remember watchin􀀾 them build

it from the schoolyard, when I was around eight years old," said Morton, a retired farmer who also remembers the building's dedication on Jan. 14, 1911.

"Everyone was dressed in their best, and many prominent people attended. It was quite an event."

Other area libraries financed by Carnegie are the Danville Public Library - which city officials plan to vacate for a larger building - and the Old Soldier's Home Library at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Danville.

Like many libraries these days, the Elwood Township Carnegie Library makes due with a tight budget. Its operations were funded through a township tax levy of $14,500 this year and an additional $2,100 from an Illinois State Library grant.

The library is home to 10,600 books. The five-room building features solid

oak woodwork with 14-foot-long beams and a small, but dignified, entrance with large pillars. The library remains in good condition, needing only minor repairs to the ceiling and gutters.

Although use of the facility is constant, Morton says it's nothing compared to its first decades. That's when entire families would spend time there.

"There was more of a need for family use of the library - as people didn't get around a lot - and they utilizied their time and needs for reading more."

Morton said the library should be used more - especially by young people.

"More youngsters need to get away from the TV and use the library. That's what it's there for. There's so much to leam, and it can encourage more social interaction, as well as so many educational benefits."

Abraham Smith, a venturous farmer, moved his farm from Tennessee to the glacial ridge in 1839 and called it his "Farm on the Ridge" or "Ridge Farm." He opened a post office, blacksmith shop, inn, tavern and a general store.