Knox County Public Library Campus

About Knox County Public Library

Due to hardships presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, the library is not currently charging overdue fines. Even though no fines are being charged for overdue items, patrons are responsible for renewing items checked out on their accounts. The Library will still be charging replacement costs for lost or damaged items. Please contact the library with specific questions or concerns on your items.

The only Collegiate Gothic style Carnegie library in the state, the original library was dedicated to the public in 1919. Winner of the 2015 Regional Preservation Award from Indiana Landmarks, this building is the hub of the library campus. Because of the philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie and permanent tax support from local citizens, the library proudly shines as a beacon of enlightenment. Community is the heart of the Knox County Public Library. A wealth of programs, services and materials for people of all ages and walks of life are available here. For demonstrating remarkable public services and programs to its community, Knox County Public Library was the recipient of the Indiana Historical Society 2012 Outstanding Historical Organization Award.

Established in 1889 on the second floor of Vincennes City Hall, this library has played a major role in the community’s educational and cultural development. With funding from philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, the Collegiate Gothic style library building was dedicated in 1919. A modern addition was dedicated in 1976 and it became the Knox County Public Library in 1978. The library’s mission is to meet the informational, educational and cultural needs of the community.

Library Classification

As defined by Indiana Code 4-23-7.1-11, the Knox County Public Library, serving a population of 33,924, is a Class B library. The library’s taxing district includes all of Knox County except for Bicknell and Vigo Township. The Bicknell-Vigo Township Public Library serves that area.

“Class A” means libraries serving a population greater than thirty-nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine (39,999).

(3) “Class B” means libraries serving a population of at least ten thousand one (10,001) but fewer than forty thousand (40,000).

(4) “Class C” means libraries serving a population of ten thousand (10,000) or less.

The library’s primary fiscal support is through local property taxes. Substantial support is from the County Option Income Tax (C.O.I.T).

Financial information for the library and other governmental units in Indiana may be found online at the Indiana Gateway for Government Units. Follow this link to download audit reports and annual budget information for the library:

Audit Reports

2023 Knox County Public Library Board

(Updated on January 30, 2024)

President, Kurt Phegley
Appointed by the North and South Knox School Corporation Boards-Term Expires December 31, 2023
kurt.phegley@duke-energy.com

Vice President, Polly Halter
Appointed by the Vincennes Community School Board-Term Expires December 31, 2026
Filling Unexpired Term of Yvette Kirchoff
phalterrph@gmail.com

Secretary, Janice Mott
Appointed by the Vincennes Community School Board-Term Expires December 31, 2025
raymott@sbcglobal.net

Treasurer, Rebecca Roach
Appointed by the Knox County Commissioners-Term Expires December 31, 2024
rroach@vinu.edu

Member, Pam Smith
Appointed by the Knox County Commissioners-Term Expires December 31, 2024
Filling Unexpired Term of Rama Sobhani
pjsmith55@yahoo.com

Member, Amanda Feavel
Appointed by the Knox County Council-Term Expires December 31, 2025
amanda@feavelandporter.com