Early Donors & Alcoves

Peter Pan Fountain

In 1928, philanthropist Charles E. Munson donated funds for the Peter Pan fountain in memory of his son Georgie who died of scarlet fever at age 7.

Contributions from citizens were part of the library’s history from its founding. Soon after City Council passed the ordinance to fund the library, a “victory party” was held and raised $49 for books and supplies. At the dedication of the first library in City Hall in 1873, Board President John W. Andrews encouraged fellow citizens to give to the library and your gift “will bless successive generations of citizens and will have an influence on children and children’s children.” The Deshler family was the first to make a large contribution to the library. In memory of their father, John and William Deshler donated $1,200 to support the purchase of books, with the stipulation that the library “shall remain public and free to every resident of Columbus, without distinction of race, sex, color or religion.” Early gifts came in the form of “alcoves” where donors would sponsor the purchase of a collection of books.

Eighteen alcoves were created: Deshler, Noble, Hubbard, Andrews, Brickell, Kilbourne, Women’s Music Club, Medical, Dental, Mattoon, Lyman, Sessions, Battelle, Mooney, Moore, Braun, Stevenson, and Soldiers & Sailors.

Mattoon Case

The E.S. Mattoon Case is the only surviving alcove. It was donated in honor of Edmund S. Mattoon, “one of the city’s most distinguished musicians” by P.J. Huntington in 1909.

Ella May Dunning Smith

Ella May Dunning Smith (1860– 1934) founded the Women’s Music Alcove in 1908. She was the Women’s Music Club president (1903-1916) and first woman president of the Ohio Music Teachers Association.

Carroll S. Kennedy

Retired school teacher Carroll S. Kennedy donated funds to start a library in Dublin in 1967. He is shown here on the far right at the dedication ceremony for the temporary building.

Deshler Alcove

John C. and W.G. Deshler funded an alcove in memory of their father, David W. Deshler, who built the bookshelves used for the alcove. The gift included $1,200 in shares from the Hocking Valley Railroad.