715-232-2164 HOURS: M-F 9-6, Sat 9-3 info@menomonielibrary.org

Building History

A Masterpiece

designed by John H. Howe

john howe

John H. Howe was a student of Frank Lloyd Wright’s and served as Wright’s chief draftsman for 27 years before establishing his own practice in Minnesota after Wright’s death.

john h howe movie

Produced by Rob Barros in 2019, this film provides a detailed look at the early years of the Taliesin Fellowship and inspiration for how buildings were created by this creative team.

john howe book

Minnesota authors Jane King Hession and Tim Quigley wrote, John H. Howe, Architect: From Taliesin Apprentice to Master of Organic Design, a book about John Howe.

John H. Howe,

“Frank Lloyd Wright’s Master of Perspective”

The original proposed site was downtown along Lake Menomin.

John H. Howe called his design method "Minnesota Prairie Style".

The current site was acquired in 1980 from the Myrtle Werth Medical Corporation for $70,000.

With both fanfare & opposition, creation of the new library took almost 10 years.

The library building opened in 1986.

First Lady Barbara Bush & John H. Howe were at the dedication on September 21, 1986.

A Minnesota Prairie Style: John Howe and the Menomonie Public Library

“This paper highlights and analyzes architect John H. Howe’s 1986 design for the Menomonie Public Library, and the preliminary designs leading up to its completion. A prolific Midwest architect in his later career; Howe was Frank Lloyd Wright’s chief draftsman for 27 years. He was known for his speed and proficiency at architectural drawings, which illustrated the profound integration of Wright’s buildings into the landscape.”
~Diana Witcher

podcast

HAVE A LISTEN

Hosts Chuck Backus and Ted Stark speak with filmmaker Rob Barros about his documentary on architect John H. Howe. Howe has long been recognized for his association with Frank Lloyd Wright and designed the Menomonie Public Library.

Hours

Monday - Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am-3pm
Sunday: Closed

Find Us

Menomonie Public Library
600 Wolske Bay Road
Menomonie, WI 54751

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Contact Us

Telephone: 715.232.2164
Information Desk: Extension 210
Circulation Desk: Extension 212
info@menomonielibrary.org