Gilroy Free Library - Gilroy, CA - Carnegie Library Buildings on Waymarking.com

"The Gilroy Carnegie library was the first of William H. Weeks' seven "classic Carnegies" of the Greek temple style, with pediments and columns. The interior is recognized for its central octagonal rotunda and patented skylight. At the corner of Fifth and Church streets in a tree shaded residential neighborhood, it is located near the historic downtown. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

Gilroy's 1876 library was short lived. Then in 1905, another library was established and in February 1906, the Library Trustees applied to Andrew Carnegie for a grant of $10,000, which was approved. A temporary library space opened in City Hall in 1907 with volumes from the Ladies' Reading Circle. Mrs. Benn, the public school librarian became the librarian of the Gilroy Public Library. Land for the new Carnegie Library was purchased with a gift of $1000 by local philanthropist Caroline Hoxett. On August 17, 1909 plans submitted by William Weeks were accepted by the Library Trustees and forwarded to Mr. Carnegie for approval. The builder, H.J. Wood came from Watsonville, as did Weeks. On July 27, 1910, the newly completed Carnegie Library opened its doors with a musicale and punch reception at 8 p.m. Except for new stairs added in 1937 and also designed by Weeks, the building is virtually unchanged and after its library service, became Gilroy's Historical Museum."http://www.carnegie-libraries.org/

Address of Library Building: 195 Fifth Street Gilroy, CA USA 95020 Current Use of Building: museum Year Built (optional): 1910 Website about building: Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   03/17/2013 KBW visited it 11/05/2008 hotshoe visited it 02/15/2008 ucdvicky visited it

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