"Memphis's first public library opened at the corner of Front and Monroe in 1893. It all began with a wealthy businessman named Frederick H. Cossitt, who wanted to thank the city for its hospitality, by building a library. Unfortunately he died in 1887 before this happened. However his daughters decided to honor their father's pledge and donated $75,000 to be placed in trust until plans for the library could be completed. Memphis agreed to provide the lot and the working expenses and awarded Atlanta architect L. B. Wheeler the contract for the building. Working with this small budget, Wheeler created a small but impressive Romanesque monument like nothing else ever seen in Memphis. It was a masterpiece, with it's red sandstone turret towering above Memphis's skyline - almost shouting "Culture has arrived!!!".
But that didn't quite happen. After it's dedication, the new library actually stood empty for a year because there wasn't enough money left to buy any books. The city newspapers began a campaign asking the public to help. And the shelves began to fill up. When the library did open it was known as the Cossitt-Goodwyn Institute - and in addition to books, it also housed the city's first museum collection. Culture had now indeed arrived.
In preparation for this page we collected numerous photos and postcards of the library. In the 1906-1912 photos, we noticed what appeared to be another building or wing at the back of the library. Although we were aware of the 1924-25 and 1958 renovations, we'd never seen this rear building before and suspected that it might be an early addition to the library. Closer inspection of the photos confirmed that it was indeed part of the library building and it must have been added around 1907-08. The official Cossitt history discusses the 1925 and 1958 renovations but doesn't include information about other additions. Soon after this page was finished we finally found our proof - a one sentence mention in a paragraph about the first Library Director Charles Dutton Johnston. "Johnston also expanded the library's infrastructure by adding shelf space and a reading room overlooking the Mississippi River in 1906".
But space began to be a problem once more and the library began thinking in terms of "modernization". That meant a new building. So, out of the blue, the library commission began talking about the building being "unstable". And because they talked about it so much it became a fact. Thus it was "decided" that the old "unstable" Cossitt Library should be demolished after standing like a rock for 65 years. But it will be called a "renovation" because the rear wing will still be used, so only "part" of old Cossitt will actually be demolished.
That 1925 rear addition had been there so long that most folks thought it actually was part of the original Cossitt. Now the demolition that was a "renovation" would incorporate that old wing into the new design. In the photo on the right, you can judge just how successful this was and how well the new and old buildings are integrated. >
The last "renovation" in 1958 was an unfortunate attempt at modernization. Eugene Johnson wrote in 'Memphis: An Architectural Guide', "The loss of no old building in Memphis is more regrettable than that of the Cossitt Library, an imposing Romanesque structure of great power and dignity. The only vestiges of the old structure are the sandstone wall surrounding the building and the rear addition ... added in 1924-25. The 1958 structure is thoughtlessly tacked onto the front - a sterile, minimalist box designed by the office of Walk C. Jones replacing the former classical arches, galleries, and towers of the old Cossitt".
Another critic wrote of the 1958 renovation: "To fully appreciate the absolute ugliness of this building, you have to remember what it replaced. The original Cossitt Library was a stunning red sandstone castle, with a sweeping flight of steps that led up to a triple-arched entrance, and a round tower that provided visitors with magnificent views of the Mississippi River...In a flash of insanity, the city of Memphis, arguing that the old building had somehow become unstable, tore down the castle and replaced it with...this. Some people might try to call the new building "International Style". We call it a hideous blue box that doesn't even attempt to match the rear sandstone addition. This whole corner is a disgrace. The original Cossitt Library was one of the most beautiful public buildings in Memphis. .
But the cornerstone of Old Cossitt Library is still here >
Today that ugly 1958 Building is 53 years old. And in this digital age, Cossit Library is not being used as much. It is no longer the Central Library. It is a branch. The property is prime river-view real estate and very valuable. It's ripe for "developers". No doubt this building will be demolished, and for once, no one would miss this eyesore when that happens. And talks have begun about this prominent corner on Front Street." (
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