Jerry Baum sketch of Willard Library. Willard Library at 21 First Ave. was a gift to the city by prominent businessman Willard Carpenter. The Gothic revival style building was begun in 1876, but construction ceased in 1877 due to an economic downturn and did not resume again until 1882. The library opened in 1885. Carpenter did not live to see its completion, dying in 1883. Although it is not part of the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library system, Willard Library is Indiana's oldest public library.