Fairbanks Memorial Library

The Emeline Fairbanks Memorial Library is located at 222 N. 7th street. This beautifully classical building is structured in the Beaux Arts style and was named after Emeline Fairbanks (The mother of the famous Crawford Fairbanks). It was build in 1906 and is made of limestone. The unversity gained possession of this local treasure in 1978. In 1984, the university decided to get it remodeled. The building now is quite different than the building shown here. However, it still maintains it's integrity. Most of the rooms inside are now utilized as classrooms. Upon entering the main doors, you are instantly caught in awe as you look up. Above the inside center of the building is a dome that has several paintings of famous people in a huge circle. As a walked through a door to access a full view, I noticed that I had walked into a student art gallery. In a complete 360 degrees around me, I was swarmed with artistic expression curtesy of the talented students that go to ISU. Feeling almost overwhelmed, I jolted my head back and forth, from one piece of art to another. However, I never escaped the ever present pull to look up. Finally, after viewing all the artwork around me, I tilted my head toward the heavens for a more in depth look at the doom. I noticed some of the names of the famous people paintings including Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and even Mark Twain. This building is a must for any person who has an appreciation for art, history, or who is of the belief that Terre Haute has nothing of interest to offer it's people.