WINONA, Minn. – The Neoclassical Winona library on Fifth Street opened in 1899. It was built with $50,000 from lumber baron William Laird.  Two prominent Pennsylvania architects of the era — William Powers Laird, no relation, and Edgar Viguers Seeler — did the design. Their features include a 56-foot dome. The brick walls are faced with Indiana limestone. The entrance is Winona limestone. The columns are Creole marble from Georgia. The structure has been on the National Register of Historic Sites since 1977.

Library in holiday trim. Holly boughs tastefully encircle the Doric columns. .Image: Steve Lunde