Jackson District Library Celebrates 120 Years: 1906-2026
Yep, it’s true. 2026 marks the 120th anniversary of the Jackson District Library building.
It all began in 1863 when some Jackson residents decided it was high time the community had its own library. After all, the city was in a growth spurt, becoming more and more successful and busy with each passing year; and a place was needed where one could relax, read, and study.
After a structure was built, the new library continued on for a number of years until 1884, when the City of Jackson stepped in and took over the responsibilities.
A few more years go by, and in 1901 a generous donation of $70,000, supplied by Andrew Carnegie, was utilized for construction for a brand new, impressive library building. In 1903, after extensive designing and blueprinting, construction finally started. By 1906, it was finished and ready to go.
Over the past 120 years, the library has been used for events, conventions, and meetings. For a time, the basement was used as a television studio where the children’s TV show “Tam’s Fun Time” was broadcast on WILX Channel 10.
Chances are, another 120 years are in the future...