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 Potter County Library
N 35° 12.471 W 101° 50.130
14S E 241875 N 3899776
Texas Historical Marker at the old Potter County Library, on the grounds of the Potter County Courthouse, at 519 S Taylor St, Amarillo, TX, noting the library's history and architectural importance.
Waymark Code: WMTHW7
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 11/27/2016
Views: 8
While the building is vacant, and a sign at the door indicates that there is no public access, the odds are pretty good that the old building is being used and maintained by Potter County.
Marker Number: 4097
Marker Text:
The Potter County free library was organized in 1902 by twelve local women. Many citizens donated books, and held bazaars, candy sales, and other activities to raise money to purchase more books. Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Willis donated a lot and house for the first library building. As these accommodations were outgrown, the library moved to the old post office, the fire station, and to city hall.
The Potter County Commissioners Court granted approval for a county-supported library in July 1921. This building was designed by Amarillo architects J. Roy Smith and W.C. Townes, and was built in 1922 by the W.M. Rice construction Company at a cost of $25,000. The basement of the library was used as a public lounge to meet the needs of women shoppers and their children, and tourists. The facility included a living room, lunch room, assembly hall and resting room, and was staffed by a matron.
A significant local example of an institutional building of the 1920's, this structure exhibits the clean lines, horizontal emphasis, and geometric detailing typical of the Prairie School style of architecture.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1996
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