In 1900, the Olio, Literary, Fortnightly and Tuesday Clubs decided to start a free public library. They approached the City Council who agreed to set a tax base to pay expenses. May 20, 1901, the First Library Board was selected, 9 members, with Captain Kitchell presiding as president. The library was organized in a three-story towered YMCA building at Second & Poplar Street. It was at the rear of the second floor. While moving things at the library a bound handwritten book of how the library was organized was found. The first benefit in 1901, made $25.40. The first year of the library, it housed approximately 800 books, all donated.
The fall of 1909, the Library Board contacted Andrew Carnegie, a philanthropist, who was establishing libraries throughout the nation, for assistance in building a Pana library. His qualifications had not been met, so in 1910, Warren Penwell tried to negotiate with Carnegie again and Mr. Carnegie agreed, if the City of Pana would promise to financially support the library. Andrew Carnegie donated the $14,000 in 1911 and Henry N. Schuyler, also owner of Schuyler Bank bought the property which he then donated to the Library Board. The library was constructed for a cost of $25,000, the building shell is of variegated brick and has a tile roof. The Carnegie Schuyler Library design style, includes a staircase leading up to the main doorway, symbolizing a person’s elevation by learning, and a lamppost near the entrance, as a symbol of enlightenment. The library was built in 1912, is named after philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, and Henry N. Schuyler, mayor of Pana. The present building at 303 East Second Street, was completed, December 1912 and an Open House was January 14th, 1913, with over 300 in attendance.
Donations may be given to the library for new materials, programs, improvements, and in memory of a loved one or in honor of someone. The library has purchased new materials, held programs, and made improvements to the library with donations. In the early 1990’s the basement was opened and shelves the adult non-fiction, and the Internet computers. Many small improvements such as handrails, landscaping, efficient lighting, and bookshelves have been made possible. The largest improvement began in 2000 with a campaign to allow the building to keep its’ historical value and yet become handicapped accessible. In 2007, ½ million dollars had been raised to add a new addition with an elevator, circulation desk, a library board room, program room and supply storage area. The library is now handicapped accessible thanks to your generous contributions. The new handicapped addition Open House was October 13, 2007. Thank you for investing in the future of the library.