"From a paper prepared by Doctor Horace Ellis when President of Vincennes University, we learn something of the first circulating library organized in Indiana. In historic old Vincennes, at the beginning of the nineteenth century, a notable assemblage of men gathered with purpose scarcely less exalted than that which animated the founders of Harvard University. The central figure of this group was General William Henry Harrison, face bronzed by his Indian campaigns, was now aglow with this new patriotism-of-peace plan to disseminate good literature among the dwellers of this new Indiana country. Others, notable for their participation in the making of Indiana, were present at the meeting held at William Hay's home, July 20, 1806, when a number of citizens of Vincennes and vicinity met to promote the formation of a circulating library. A stock company was organized, called 'The Vincennes Library Company."' Shares of stock were issued. On August 23, 1806, at this original 'book shower,' W. Buntin presented a number of books, the first probably offered for circulating library purposes in Indiana. The first librarian was Peter Jones, who was also Auditor of the territory and keeper of a tavern. The meetings of the shareholders were held at 'Jones' Inn.'

"In 1815, the Vincennes Library Company, emulating the Vincennes University, arranged a lottery, when books and clocks were offered as prizes. The progress of this affords interesting reading, as human nature is the same whether concerned with affairs in early Vincennes or present day Indianapolis. When Vincennes University was incorporated on November 29, 1806, the Territorial Legislature vested authority in the trustees of the university by means of which they might raise funds not to exceed $20,000. The trustees claimed this as vested right as late as 1883, when the United States Supreme Court rendered a decision that there could be no vested right in a lottery. Citizens of Indiana prior to this decision, bought tickets and took chances as freely as did others in the famous Louisiana lottery." Merica Hoagland.