WINONA, Minn. – To mark the upcoming 125th anniversary of the Winona Public Library, the director, Lezlea Dahlke, is resuming tours in August. Hours. In a preview tour Dahlke noted that the library is the oldest building in the state built as a public library and still in operation. The history is rich. Visitors have included abolitionists Frederick Douglass and William Mitchell, although, she noted, those visits preceded the actual construction. In the 1920s, somewhat not library like, the basement was a speakeasy, she said. That, however was before her time, Dahlke was quick to point ut. Among highlights on the 30-minute tours:
Inside the dome. Designed by 19th century stained glass artist Otto Heinicke.
“The Light of Learning.” A mural by Kenyon Cox. Robed in the green is Minerva lighting torches as a symbol of learning. Donated by lumber baron William Hayes in 1910.
“Hebe.” Goddess of eternal youth, prime of life, and forgiveness. Also the cup-bearer to the gods. A copy in Carrara marble of the original work by Antonio Canova. Donated in1899 by the Laird lumbering family after Italian travels
Natural light. No dark stacks here. Thick but translucent glass floors let in the light.