About Us

Knox County Public Library

Our StoryLibrary ClassificationMeet the StaffMeet the Board
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Our Story

A Beacon of Enlightenment to the Community

The only Collegiate Gothic style Carnegie library in the state, the original library was dedicated to the public in 1919. 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.

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.

1889

Year of Founding

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.

1919

Funding

With funding from philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, the Collegiate Gothic style library building was dedicated in 1919.

1976

Expanding Our Services

A modern addition was dedicated in 1976 and it became the Knox County Public Library in 1978.

2024

Present Day

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. The library’s mission is to meet the informational, educational and cultural needs of the community.

Award Winning Library

A Class B Library

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
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Serving a
Population of
33,924

Knox County Public Library Staff

Emily Bunyan

Library Director since July 1990

Amy Blake

Technical Services and Purchasing Manager

Jack Boger

Library Security

Ann Carie

Assistant Youth Librarian

Lisa Glesil

Youth Services Manager

Troy Pickel

Community Liaison

Paula Smith

Circulation Supervisor
2024

Knox County Public Library Board

President, Kurt PhegleyAppointed by the North and South Knox School Corporation Boards
Term Expires December 31, 2023
Vice President, Polly Halter
Appointed by the Vincennes Community School Board
Term Expires December 31, 2026
Filling Unexpired Term of Yvette Kirchoff
Secretary, Janice Mott
Appointed by the Vincennes Community School Board
Term Expires December 31, 2025
Treasurer, Rebecca Roach
Appointed by the Knox County Commissioners
Term Expires December 31, 2024
Member, Pam Smith
Appointed by the Knox County Commissioners
Term Expires December 31, 2024Filling Unexpired Term of Rama Sobhani
Member, Amanda FeavelAppointed by the Knox County CouncilTerm Expires December 31, 2025
Member, Linda Painter
Appointed by the Knox County Council
Term Expires December 31, 2028