In 1883 a group of friends and neighbors formed the Literary Union of Carmel, the first organization in Putnam County to establish a public library.  The library’s books were kept in offices and homes throughout the Hamlet and the Literary Union met regularly in members’ homes.   Meetings almost always concluded with entertainment – singing, stories, skits, music and refreshments.

For the next thirty years Literary Union members met in each other’s homes, packed up books and moved them from one available office space to the next, and dreamt about the day the Literary Union would have a permanent home.

In 1913 that dream was to become a reality.  The Reed Memorial Library was built in memory of William Belden Reed on land donated by the Ryder family, all early Literary Union supporters.  Beautifully constructed and maintained, the Library continues the work of the Literary Union by bringing cultural, educational and recreational opportunities to the Carmel community.  

In 1980 the Reed Library was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural significance.

Reed Memorial Library

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