Part of the Evergreen Indiana Consortium with access to over 130 libraries. Our resident patrons are from North Spencer. Lincoln Heritage Public Library
In 1938, the Abe Lincoln Youth District Library Association was formed with the intent of building a library in Dale, Indiana. In May 1945, a Memorial Library was planned; a one room library was developed, staffed by volunteers and consisted of pa
perback books. By 1978, a more formal facility was considered, and in 1985, the Dale Women’s Organization began a drive to form a permanent library. With cooperation from the town of Dale and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, a room in the former St. Joseph’s Elementary School became the home of the town library. Members of the Dale Jaycees assisted with remodeling and with running the library. In 1989, The Dale Community Volunteer Library changed its name to Lincoln Heritage Public Library, serving the demographic area that consisted of the North Spencer School Corporation (Carter, Clay, Jackson, Harrison, Huff, and Grass). The first president of the LHPL board was Narl Conner. A goal was set to construct the library on property donated by the Park Board of Dale. Ground was broke on March 2, 1991, and the dedication was on December 8, 1991. The cost of the 10,000 square foot building was $704,000, of which $63,000 were raised by donations. Kathy Dilger was hired as the first librarian in 1990. In 2003, there was an addition of a computer lab, new children’s room with a story time room and a new Indiana/Genealogy room. All construction was completed in 2004. Chrisney Branch
The town of Chrisney approached the library board to have a branch of Lincoln Heritage Public Library built. Needing to acquire matching funds of $50,000, residents and former residents of Chrisney raised $80,000.00, and with a grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The Chrisney library branch held its dedication on April 19, 2009.The LHPL Chrisney Branch was the first certified net-zero public library in the state of Indiana and uses solar and geothermal technology. Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman awarded the Chrisney Branch with the Partner in Progress Award, which is the highest award given by the Lieutenant Governor. The library was recognized for being a leader in renewable energy and making a lasting impact on the state of Indiana. The library itself was designed by lead architect Bill Brown, Director of Sustainability for Indiana, who is a Spencer County native. The library’s solar power pavilion was built by Morton Solar & Wind, LLC, a local renewable energy solution provider. Lincoln Heritage Public Library’s Chrisney Branch was originally staffed primarily by volunteers; many whom where retired school teachers.
