MARSHFIELD — An exhibit of Wisconsin library memorabilia, sponsored by the Wisconsin Library Heritage Center, will be on display at the Marshfield Public Library until Oct. 30.

In the last part of the 19th century and in the first two decades of the 20th century, an explosion of library construction took place in communities throughout Wisconsin. This construction boom was fostered to a large extent by Andrew Carnegie and other philanthropists. The new library buildings were a source of civic pride and as such were represented on a variety of souvenir items, including china, spoons, paperweights, and picture postcards.

Examples of these souvenir items and others that reflect the library heritage of Wisconsin are included in the exhibit. The exhibit is located on the main floor of the Marshfield Public Library and will be available for viewing anytime the Library is open.

The Wisconsin Library Heritage Center, a program of the Wisconsin Library Association Foundation, sponsors library memorabilia exhibits at libraries throughout Wisconsin. Larry T. Nix is the curator for the exhibit and the chair of the Wisconsin Library Heritage Center.  Nix retired in 2003 as the Director of the Public Library Development Team of the Wisconsin Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning after 23 years of service.