The Cairo Public Library - 1609 Washington Ave.

The building was built in 1883 and turned over to the city of Cairo July 17, 1884, a gift of Mrs. Anna E. Safford in honor of her husband Alfred B. Safford.  The building, of Queen Ann architecture, contains over 40,000 volumes for circulation and reference.  Over 600 books on the Civil War are available for research including the U.S. Official Records.  A renovated second story store room is now the Special Collections Room, where documents. picture. maps. and books are protected in a controlled atmosphere, this is one of six such rooms in libraries in Illinois with public access.  An 1880 chandelier hangs in the auditorium, a Tiffany grandfather clock, a hand carved replica of the sidewheeler CITY OF CAIRO and other special collection are featured along with the beautiful architecture and stained glass windows.

Hours are: 9-5 Mon./Thurs. - 1-5 on Friday & 9-Noon on Saturday

Copyright© 2001  The Cairo Citizen, North Scott Publishing. All Rights Reserved.