The Women's Club of Sullivan was instrumental in forming the Public Library Board in 1902. After a site and required local funding were secured in December 1903, Andrew Carnegie donated $10,000. The cornerstone was laid on June 11, 1904, the building was dedicated on January 19, 1905, and the Sullivan Public Library opened on January 30, 1905, with a collection of 1,222 books. Built of Bedford limestone by architect Paul O. Maratz, its domed tower is an unusual Carnegie feature. The interior was restored to its original look in 1986, and a 2,400 square foot addition was built in 1995. It is one of 1,679 libraries built in the U.S. with funds from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, and Indiana built more Carnegie libraries than any other state.