About the Carnegie Cultural Center Building and the Ottawa Community Arts Council 

The Ottawa Community Arts Council (OCAC) has been in existence for several decades.  It has had several homes, the current one being it's present site the Carnegie Cultural Center, once know as the Carnegie Library.  The library was first established in March of 1872 by 15 members of the Ladies' Reading Club.  In 1902, Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919), a Scottish American industrialist and philanthropist, offered $15,000 to the city for a library building. The city accepted the gift and pledged $1,500 annually for maintenance of the library. A beautiful building, designed by George P Washburn (1846-1922), a prominent architect in Kansas, was completed in 1903.  The old Carnegie Library opened it's door as the Carnegie Cultural Center in 1998. Currently, the Carnegie Cultural Center is home to us, the Ottawa Community Arts Council (OCAC).

The Ottawa Community Arts Council (OCAC) desires to be an advocate for and supporter of the arts for the enrichment of the Franklin county community.  It offers education classes, advocacy, and enriching exhibits to meet their mission.  OCAC's education mission includes partnering with schools, area agency on aging, community mental health centers and people with intellectual an/or developmental disabilities to provide activities for all segments of our community and showcase the art of our community members, encouraging their artistic growth.  The Ottawa Community Arts Council (OCAC) also acts as a partner within the economic community to develop and continue artistic and cultural experiences and enhance the quaility of life for the citizens of Franklin county.  It is operated by a working Board of Directors who meet monthly to sustain and direct the operation of the organization and promote it's future growth.

Behind its doors one can find fine art exhibits, art workshops, lectures, theatrical productions, art supplies, gifts.....just to name a few activities.  It is a wonderful facility to host an upcoming event or activity and arrangements for rental are available on a first come/reservation basis.



We invite you to explore the many activities the Carnegie Cultural Center has to offer!