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Workingmen's Institute

5.0 (1 review)
Closed • 10:00 am - 4:30 pm

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Working Men's Institute

Working Men's Institute

5.0(2 reviews)
0.1 mi
•$

New Harmony, Indiana is a small town of about 700 people in Posey County. It continues to be one of…read moremy favorite towns to visit. Working Men's Institute was established in 1838 as part of Robert Owen's utopian experiment that had its roots in New Harmony. It's a history library and music founded by geologist/philanthropist William Maclure and is the oldest continuously operating public library in Indiana. It continues to function in many of the ways it was established - the basic philosophy behind it was that men and women are essentially rational individuals who can bring about lasting social harmony if properly taught and encouraged. It would end up being a popular concept. At one point, every county in Indiana had a Working Men's Institute (along with 16 in Illinois). This one was the first, and it's the only one remaining. Being a historic building, accessibility is surprisingly strong and there is an elevator. The museum is quite cool, and the library is also surprisingly impressive. There's one display on the staircase, thus it's not accessible (also quite small). It's worth noting that the library is considered a public library for Posey County - it has books, periodicals, electronic resources, rare volumes, genealogical records and more. The second floor is ultimately the coolest for me as someone who is fascinated by the Harmonist and Owenite periods in New Harmony. There are also Native American artifacts and natural history items. Ultimately, this certainly isn't a destination spot or even a day trip (probably takes about 2-1/2 to 3 hours to get here from Indy. It is usually three for me, but that includes stops. However, if you're in this area it's part of New Harmony worth checking out. I'd probably go a four-star, however, I'm impressed enough with the efforts to improve accessibility that I'm forking over the fifth star.

My three boys (ages 7, 10 & 13) and I went today on recommendation by The Old Rooming House owner…read moreJim Stinson. We absolutely loved it! There was so much to see that we were there nearly an hour! Highly recommend!

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Fairfield Public Library

Fairfield Public Library

5.0(1 review)
28.6 mi

Fairfield Public Library is a wonderful library! Their collection is up-to-date, and they…read morecontinually add new books. If a book is not in the library, it is often available to be borrowed from another library with their sharing system. One of the staff is glad to assist if needed. It is extremely well worth the cost of a card if one lives outside the city limits, which we do. Only a very few books could be bought for the price of the card. With the card, one may check out 12 books at a time, and keep them 2 wks., or another 2 wks. if renewed, and check out 12 more! Their children's section is inviting and has a great assortment of beautiful books at different reading levels. The library has fabulous summer programs for children! These well-planned and presented programs, often done by professionals, are beyond what a person would expect for a small-town library. Obviously, funds have been spent to bring in great programs. Much work goes into those programs; besides the presenters, volunteers and agencies prepare crafts and activities that go along with the programs. The library also has a summer reading program, and the staff assist and encourage the children, as well as provide organization of record-keeping and prizes. Their reading section for adults provides newspapers and periodicals that can be read in a relaxing atmosphere. The Wayne County Historical Society has many interesting displays in a special room and section. Our library is definitely one of the strongest assets in our community!

Workingmen's Institute - libraries - Updated May 2026

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