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Frankfort Community Public Library, Frankfort, IN

Many public libraries across the country serve as community centers by offering space for community arts and cultural classes. The Frankfort Community Public Library, however, not only serves as host to such classes, it also sponsors a “school of living” and a myriad of free and low-cost fine art, crafts, music, theatre, cooking, and gardening classes for children and adults. With its free classes, art exhibitions, its annual Hispanic and Japanese cultural festivals, free live music events, and theatre presentations, the library has truly become a cultural hub for Frankfort.

Julie Miller heads the Clinton County Youth Theatre at the Franklin Community Public Library, having been approached by the library’s director, Bill Caddell, about the idea two years ago. Julie has seen the transformative effect the theatre has had on the kids who participate and on the whole community. The shows are a balance of entertainment and education, and each one has brought a different group of students together from all over the county to create a truly lasting impression. Julie says, “I honestly had no idea the kind of talent that was just waiting to be nurtured,” and adds that sold-out performances have become common for the group. The library has given Julie the opportunity, space, and encouragement to live out her dream of directing and producing theatre with youth. She believes the library is “the very best thing our community has going.”

Mr. Claude “Bill” Caddell has been the Director of the Frankfort Community Public Library since 1973. In 1974, Caddell was named Clinton County Citizen of the Year. Caddell established countywide library service in 1984 and considers this his greatest professional achievement. In 1989 a 39,000-square-foot wing was added onto the 1908 Carnegie Building. The library now serves as an award-winning cultural center. In 1999 Caddell and the Friends of FCPL received the Governor’s Arts Award. In 2006 Caddell was named Arts Administrator for the State of Indiana. He has built two branch libraries and has received a $500,000 grant to build a third one. He has raised an Endowment Fund of $750,000. Caddell enjoys gardening and working on environmental issues.