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Story Subject Category: Clinton
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Lonn Frye hates to see old libraries torn down to make way for brand new ones. The Chicago architect is a specialist in helping cities preserve and renovate old libraries, updating them but keeping the architectural style intact.
Frye takes viewers on a tour of historic central Illinois libraries in Jacksonville and Clinton. “He’s trying to educate people on why it’s important to keep these old libraries,” says Prairie Fire host Alison Davis. “Many of them were built around the turn of the century, which was the golden age of library construction.” The Jacksonville Public Library, currently undergoing expansion, is one of about 105 in Illinois built with funds donated by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Clinton’s library, which was renovated under Frye’s direction, is an arts and crafts style library built with funds from Vespasian Warner, who was inspired by Carnegie’s example.
Segment duration: 08:16
Producer: Alison Davis
Advisor: Lonn Frye
This segment is filed in these categories: Architecture • Housing and Urban Renewal • Libraries/Museums/Cultural Centers • Clinton • Jacksonville
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