Goodland-Grant Township
Public Library
Goodland-Grant Township
Public Library
Credit: Lee Lewellen
Goodland-Grant Township Public Library, also known as the Mitten Memorial Building, is a historic library building located in Goodland, Indiana. Built in 1931 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004, we are proud to be the heart of our community. Beyond our extensive collection of books and media, we host a wide variety of events including kids' activities, educational seminars, and community-wide celebrations. Our mission is to preserve our rich local history while providing modern resources and engaging programs that inspire and support every resident of Grant Township.
Latisha Provo
Library Director
Joan Sporny
Library Assistant
Programs
Regina Byler
Library Assistant
Cataloging
Today, as you walk through our doors or enjoy the surrounding green space, you are stepping into a legacy of "giving back."
The Legacy of the Mitten Memorial Building
The story of the Goodland-Grant Township Public Library is deeply rooted in a spirit of gratitude and community investment. While the library serves as a modern resource today, its foundation was laid nearly a century ago through the vision of Thomas E. Mitten, a prominent philanthropist and transit executive who never forgot his roots in Goodland.
A Gift of Gratitude
In August 1929, T.E. Mitten penned a proposal from his office in Philadelphia to the Trustee of Grant Township and the Goodland Town Board. In this letter (pictured below), Mitten expressed his "continuing interest" in the community and his desire to establish a fitting memorial for his parents, George and Jane Mitten.
He also sought to honor William Foster, the founder of Goodland. Mitten credited Foster with providing the financial support that allowed him to leave the family farm and enter the business world—a journey that eventually led him to become a titan of the transportation industry.
Building for the Future
The Mitten family was already well-known for their local contributions, having previously assisted the library in finding suitable quarters and providing what was then considered the "best-equipped child school playground in Indiana." However, Mitten’s 1929 proposal was his most ambitious: he offered to fund the purchase and landscaping of the block south of the school to create "Foster Park" and a permanent, modern home for the library.
Although T.E. Mitten passed away later in 1929, his family saw his vision through. The Mitten Memorial Building was completed in 1931. Built in the Tudor Revival style, the structure was designed not just as a repository for books, but as a civic landmark that reflected the dignity and importance of education in Grant Township.
Preserving Our Heritage For over 90 years, the library has stood as a centerpiece of downtown Goodland. Its architectural and historical significance was formally recognized in 2004 when the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, as you walk through our doors or enjoy the surrounding green space, you are stepping into a legacy of "giving back." We are proud to maintain the original "memorial tablet" and the spirit of the Mitten family’s gift, ensuring that the Goodland-Grant Township Public Library remains a place where history is preserved and the future is written.
