Editor,
In 2007 I researched old papers from the Historical Society and the Carmel Library, and the actual first Carmel Library was started in 1896 by the Carmel Ladies Literary Guild. It was named “The Wednesday Literary Club,” and, although small, books were available in the Telephone Exchange in the vicinity of 27 E. Main Street. There were two wooden buildings there – the telephone exchange and in later years a flower shop. Previously there was a millinery shop. The telephone exchange in the early years was privately owned. The owner lived in the former house used by the Carmel Chamber of Commerce on East Main Street, before it was torn down a few years ago. I researched the library information and the Carmel Redevelopment Commission underwrote a plaque which is attached to the wall of 27 E. Main St. in Carmel. Pedcor underwrote a reception on the fourth floor at this event when the plaque was installed on Feb. 26, 2007. It seems that this effort by the Carmel Ladies Literary Guild so long ago, should not be forgotten, just because we now have a glamorous widely-known library which is actually Carmel’s fourth. And the Carnegie Library was its second. The third one was in the building now used by the Legacy Fund.
Doreen Squire Ficara, 46033