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The A. Herr Smith and E. E. Smith Public Library of Loda, Illinois has been in continuous use as a library since its opening day in 1897. 

The library was constructed in 1897-1897 on two lots (the west half of Lot 11 and the west half of the south quarter of Lot 12) donated by the Loda Hall Association. The library measures approximately 42' by 30' and has a brick foundation. An asphalt roof replaced the original slate roof which lasted ninety years. The brick chimney is also gone. The exterior remains essentially the same as when it was first constructed. A tile and brick company were located in Loda at the time of construction and is believed to have furnished the materials.

The building was designed by Paul O. Moratz, a Bloomington, Illinois architect and was built by Fred E. King, builder, of Chicago. The style is Romanesque Revival. (Paul O. Moratz was also the architect for many of the Carnegie Libraries constructed in Illinois. The Onarga Carnegie Library, 8 miles north of Loda and the Paxton Carnegie Library, 5 miles south of Loda, were among his many designs.) The building cost was $3118.57 which included an amount of $418.57 for additional expenses not included in the original estimate.

In 1894, Miss Eliza E. Smith of Lancaster, Pennsylvania had an exchange of correspondence with Addison Goodell, President of the A. Goodell & Sons Bank in Loda. In her letters, Miss Smith, a single woman of 80 years, expressed her wish to have a public library built in Loda, in memory of her brother A. Herr Smith who had died a few months previously in 1894. Miss Smith announced her intention of donating $2500.00 for this purpose. In past years, Mr. Smith had business interests in the Loda area and retained a lasting fondness for this part of the country.

On May 18, 1896 a formal deed of gift was executed in the amount of $2500.00 to nine library trustees for the purpose of erecting and furnishing a free public library building. An endowment fund was established by several donations to be used in maintaining the library and keeping the building in repair. The Loda Literary Society also donated its library of 500 volumes.

From 1897 to this present day, the A. Herr Smith & E. E. Smith Public Library has served Loda and the surrounding township as a constant source of enrichment.  Over the years, time and money donated by caring patrons and businesses, concerned friends and former residents has enabled the library to exist and remain an anchor in this small midwestern village.