Public Library - Ponca City, OK
Posted by: 
hamquilter
N 36° 42.221 W 097° 04.669
14S E 671698 N 4063723
This is a beautiful example of Spanish influence architecture, built with funds from the Public Works Administration.
Waymark Code: WMWC45
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 08/11/2017
Views: 9
The public library in Ponca City has a long history of endeavors by the local citizens. In 1904, a small group who wanted to see the town have an exchange of books, began a library with 50 books. In 1910, they solicited the Carnegie Institute for a grant and were successful in building a library. In 1930, they then had 18,000 books.
Later, in the early 1930s, they applied for funds from the Public Works Administration (PWA), and together with city funds, this beautiful building was constructed. It was designed by George J. Cannon and used Spanish architecture. This library building was dedicated on December 18, 1935. In the 1980s, as the city grew, a large addition was added to the west side of the library building (see aerial view). This addition followed the original architecture closely and it is difficult to see where one begins and the other ends.
The building is made of buff brick. Its entrance facing south has two sets of double doors located under a portico. The portico has three arched openings, with a Solomonic column separating them. The arches are surrounded by decorative masonry work. Above the entrance is a decorative stone balustrade, and the upper wall has three fixed windows with elaborate masonry pilasters and lintel.
Flanking the entrance on either side, the facade has three tall five-paned window units, with decorative surrounds and friezes above. The effect is very pleasing to the eye, and suggests formal Spanish aristocracy.
The building is currently the Ponca City library and is open seven days a week.
Project type: Government building (non-park)
Date built or created: 1935
Location: Ponca City Library
City: Ponca City, OK
Condition: Pristine condition
Website for additional information: [Web Link]
|
Visit Instructions:
To help give a different perspective and to better the waymark for future visitors please tell us about your visit and upload a favorite photograph you took of the waymark.
Although visiting this waymark in person is the only thing required of you to receive credit for your visit, taking the time to add this information is greatly appreciated.