Carnegie Library

The Fortville Carnegie Library was built between 1914 and 1917, opening to the public in 1918, and was one of the last Carnegie libraries to be built in Indiana. The library ceased to serve as a public library in 1986, later becoming the community center for Gateway Community Church, and was eventually sold in 2023 to new owners who plan to preserve the building as a business and event venue called "Carnegie on Main".  

Establishment and Funding

• Community Initiative: 

  In 1914, a group of Fortville citizens, including business owners and residents, decided to create a library for their community. 

• Carnegie Grant: 

  The group applied for and received a grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, which funded the building's construction. 

• Construction: 

  The library was built from 1914 to 1917, with the final completion and opening in 1918. 

Operation and Later Years

• Public Service: 

  For decades, the Fortville Carnegie Library served as a vibrant community hub. 

• Transition: 

  In 1986, the library ceased its operations as a public library and was purchased by Gateway Community Church of Fortville in the 1980s, repurposing it as a meeting place for the church and other community organizations.