Lewis Library of Glasgow
🏢 Missouri Libraries 2Go · Glasgow, Missouri
Lewis Library of Glasgow
Lewis Library of Glasgow is the oldest continuously operating public library building west of the Mississippi River — an 1866 Italianate brick landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places — and it is celebrating 160 years of continuous public service in 2026.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 2pm–6pm |
| Tuesday | 2pm–6pm |
| Wednesday | 2pm–6pm |
| Thursday | 2pm–6pm |
| Friday | 2pm–6pm |
| Saturday | 2pm–6pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 315 Market Street, GLASGOW, MO 65254
Phone: (660) 338-2395
Website: lewislibraryofglasgow.org
Plus Code: 86F965G4+F3 (GLASGOW, MO)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Lewis Library of Glasgow
Lewis Library of Glasgow occupies a handsome two-story Italianate brick building at the corner of Market and 4th Streets in Glasgow, Howard County, Missouri. The building was erected in 1866 with $10,000 left in the will of wealthy hemp and tobacco farmer Benjamin Lewis, who intended it to house Lewis College and a free public library. Architect John Aldridge designed the structure with round-arched windows and doors and a high bracketed cornice with a broad overhanging roof. Lewis College is long gone, but the library has operated without interruption since 1866, making it the second-oldest public library in Missouri and the oldest library building in continuous use west of the Mississippi. That distinction earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 (NRHP #69000106). Today the library holds a large collection of books and magazines, displays original George Caleb Bingham prints (the Missouri painter spent time in Glasgow), and offers digital borrowing through Missouri Libraries 2Go / OverDrive. A capital campaign is currently underway to restore the building's grand staircase and improve accessibility.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Oldest continuously operating public library building west of the Mississippi River
- Second-oldest public library in Missouri — founded 1866, celebrating 160 years in 2026
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1969 (NRHP #69000106)
- Original Italianate brick building at Market & 4th Streets, designed by architect John Aldridge
- Three original George Caleb Bingham prints on display — the Missouri painter lived in Glasgow
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Glasgow library card holders can borrow free digital titles through Missouri's statewide digital lending network:
📚 Services
- Book and magazine lending
- Public computers & on-site internet access
- Missouri Libraries 2Go digital borrowing (eBooks & audiobooks)
- Dolly Parton Imagination Library enrollment for children 0–5
- Interlibrary loan through Missouri networks
- Reference assistance
- Friends of Lewis Library monthly free-book program
🎸 Programs
- Dolly Parton Imagination Library (free monthly books for children 0–5)
- Friends of Lewis Library — monthly free book giveaway for members
- George Caleb Bingham driving tour stop (library holds original prints)
- Community events and fundraising for historic building restoration
📍 Nearby Libraries in Central Missouri
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Lewis Library of Glasgow called the oldest library building west of the Mississippi?
The Italianate brick building at 315 Market Street was constructed in 1866 using a $10,000 bequest from Benjamin Lewis and has housed a public library continuously from that year to today — over 160 years without interruption. No other public library building west of the Mississippi has been in continuous library use for as long.
What is the George Caleb Bingham connection at Lewis Library?
George Caleb Bingham was a celebrated Missouri painter known for scenes of frontier and river life. He spent part of his life in Glasgow, and the library holds three original Bingham prints on display. The library is also a stop on the George Caleb Bingham driving tour.
What hours is Lewis Library open, and is it open on Sundays?
Lewis Library is open Monday through Saturday, 2 pm to 6 pm. It is closed on Sundays. The afternoon-only schedule reflects its small-town staffing — call ahead if you're making a special trip.
Does Lewis Library offer any programs for young children?
Yes — the library is an enrollment point for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which mails one free, age-appropriate book every month to children ages 0–5 in Howard County. Stop in or call (660) 338-2395 to register your child.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.
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