A Bit of Library Ephemera

A bit of library ephemera, this postcard-sized slip of paper was likely used in the late 1970s or early 1980s to promote Carnegie-Stout's expansion. The addition on the left opened on June 7, 1981, while the original building on the right dates to October 20, 1902. A major renovation of the entire library was completed by September 16, 2010.

A Merry View Near the Reference Desk

Carnegie-Stout's Christmas tree is up, and in this photo is illuminated by the morning sun. The Annual Lighting Ceremony with Madrigal Singers is at 2:00 p.m. this Saturday, December 7, 2024.

1830s German Longcase Flötenuhr Clock

Carnegie-Stout Public Library's remarkable grandfather clock, a longcase Flötenuhr (flute or organ clock), was made in Germany circa 1832. The clock was donated to the library in 1919 by the estate of Alleen Langworthy Massey, a descendant of early settlers of Dubuque who prospered here in lead mining and business.

Rather than chimes, this grandfather clock has a barrel organ with bellows and wood pipes which produce delightful calliope-like music. The unique mechanism plays eight different songs, while the four animated figures at the top dance back and forth.

The grandfather clock is in working order and still keeps time, but to protect its fragile components it is not often wound or played. It was restored in 2014 by Behind The Times Clocks of Rockford, Illinois.

Watch and listen as the clock strikes twelve in this video:

The clock's wood pipes, pin barrel, and movement:

See more photos at Behind The Times Clocks' Facebook page.