Carnegie libraries in California were funded through grants offered by the Carnegie Corporation around the turn of the 20th Century. Andrew Carnegie became a wealthy steel producer, but the poor Scottish immigrant had to work his way up the ranks to become such a force. Although he was credited with building the empire that became U.S. Steel, he started his life in the U.S. working menial jobs in factories, building upon his experience, but never dismissing his passion for reading & learning.
Carnegie spread the love of reading and books throughout the world by creating matching grants to build libraries in the U.S. and mostly European countries. By crafting the program in this manner, the local buy-in created critical success!
Carnegie libraries in California-- 142 public libraries were built from 121 grants (totaling $2,779,487) awarded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York from 1899 to 1917. In addition, academic libraries were built at 2 institutions (totaling $60,000).
Alameda Free Library October 3, 1899 $35,000 2264 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda, California. Opened in 1903, this Wilcox and Curtis Neoclassical building (also described as Classical Revival). Builders were C.H. Foster and Son of Alameda.Alturas November 20, 1908 $10,000 201 S. Court St. 41°29′2.56″N 120°32′27.42″W This building, designed by F. J. DeLongchamps, opened in 1918 and served as a library until 1947. It now houses law offices.
Anaheim February 6, 1907 $10,000 241 S. Anaheim Blvd. 33°50′3.46″N 117°54′48.57″W A John C. Austin work, this building opened in 1909. It was a library until 1963, and it has been home to the Anaheim Museum since 1987. Later renamed Muzeo.
Antioch June 1, 1915 $2,500 519 F St. 38°0′51.77″N 121°48′44.6″W This Francis Reid Neoclassical design was Antioch's library from its opening in 1916 until 1967. It is currently a church.
Auburn March 9, 1907 $10,000 175 Almond St. 38°53′59.03″N 121°4′19.09″W From May 26, 1909 to 1968, this Allen D. Fellows Classical Revival building was the Auburn library. Currently, it is an arts center.
Bayliss District January 5, 1916 $4,000 7830 County Rd. 39 Bayliss sought a grant in conjunction with rural parts of Glenn County, hence its unusual name. Opened in 1917, this W. H. Weeks design continues to operate as one of the most rural Carnegie libraries in the country.
Beaumont April 28, 1913 $10,000 125 E. Eighth St. 33°55′55.85″N 116°58′51.95″W Opened in 1914, this Neoclassical design by E. L. Hopkins has always served the Beaumont area as a library.
Biggs April 23, 1906 $5,000
Calexico March 16, 1915 $10,000 420 Heber Avenue Currently in the Calexico Public Library system, after several years of idleness being completely restored and reopened as a computer lab, with free wifi offering access to the vast library that is the internet. Inducted into the National Register of Historic Places in 2005 (Building #05001085).
Chico January 7, 1904 $10,000
Chula Vista March 31, 1916 $10,000
Clovis March 11, 1914 $7,000
Colton Colton Area April 10, 1906 $10,000 380 North LaCadena Drive, Colton, CA 92324 Currently the Colton Museum. Designed by architect Franklin P. Burnham, a temple style Classical Revival building, with pediment and columns, two fireplaces and skylight above a central rotunda. It served as both library and community center. In 1982 it was carefully restored to house the museum.
Colusa January 19, 1905 $10,000
Concord June 1, 1915 $2,500
Corning August 11, 1913 $10,000
Corona March 25, 1905 $11,500
Dixon November 21, 1911 $10,000 Currently the Dixon Unified School District Library. Dixon is one of only three California Carnegie communities to obtain a library as a high school district rather than city or county. Designed by architects Parker and Kenyon, in the Mission Revival-Classical Revival style, and designated as historically significant by the Dixon city council in 1988.
Eagle Rock | Eagle Rock 2007September March 11, 1914 $7,500 The building is currently the Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center. Designed by architect W.E. Kleinpell, in the Mission Revival-Spanish Colonial Revival styles and opened in 1915. In 1923 it became a branch library when Eagle Rock was annexed by Los Angeles.
East San Diego June 1, 1915 $10,000
El Centro February 13, 1909 $10,000 539 State Street, El Centro, CA 92243 El Centro Public Library. Extensive earthquake damage in the late 1920s necessitated drastic strengthening procedures with steel banding; with successive additions, the Classical Revival building has been plastered over to create a Modern look.
Eureka October 3, 1901 $20,000 636 F St. 40°48′2″N 124°9′52″W The Eureka Carnegie Free Library building now houses the Morris Graves Museum of Art which is operated by the Humboldt Arts Council. The building underwent a restoration in 1996.
Exeter May 8, 1914 $5,000
Ferndale CA Public March 21, 1908 $8,000 807 Main Street 40°34′47″N 124°15′35″W The Ferndale Public Library designed by architect Warren Skellings, in a bold Classical Revival style is the only Carnegie Grant Library in northwestern California still functioning as a library.
Gilroy March 12, 1906 $10,000 195 Fifth Street, Gilroy, CA 95020 Now the Gilroy Historical Museum, the building is virtually unchanged. Designed by architect William H. Weeks, one of his seven "classic Carnegies" of the Greek temple style, with pediments and columns.
Grass Valley January 6, 1915 $15,000 207 Mill Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945 Currently the Grass Valley Public Library. Designed by architect William Mooser, its Classical Revival red brick facade is highlighted with numerous white pilasters.
Gridley January 2, 1913 $7,000 519 Kentucky Street, Gridley, CA 95966 Currently a private office. Designed by Chico architect Chester Cole, in the Classical Revival style.
Hanford March 20, 1903 $12,500 109 East Eighth Street, Hanford, CA 93230 The Hanford Carnegie Museum since 1974. Designed by the McDougall Bros. and one of California's few in the Richardson Romanesque style.
Hayward February 20, 1906 $11,750
Healdsburg Healdsburg August 31, 1909 $10,000
Hollister Hollister April 16, 1910 $10,000 375 Fifth Street, Hollister, CA 95023 Currently the Hollister City Hall. Designed by architect William Binder, the low, one story Classical Revival style building is constructed of concrete scored to resemble granite block. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, and part of downtown Hollister's National Register-listed historic district.
Imperial Imperial January 23, 1909 $10,000
Lakeport November 17, 1914 $8,000 200 Park Street, Lakeport, CA 95453 Currently the Lakeport Carnegie Library houses U.C. Davis scientists for Clear Lake research. Designed by architects Ward and Blohme, in an austere Classical Revival style in the city park on the shores of the lake.
Lincoln December 13, 1907 $6,000 The Lincoln Public Library. Built in the Mediterranean Revival-Classical Revival style, with the brick and terra cotta products of notable Gladding, McBean Pottery.
Livermore August 5, 1909 $10,000 2155 Third Street, Livermore, CA 94550 Currently a museum, the Livermore Heritage Guild History Center. The Classical Revival building is an example of the library as "temple in the park," with its pedimented central portico supported by Greek Ionic columns and located in the center of Carnegie Park. The building's distinctive yellow brick came from the nearby Carnegie Brick Works.
Lodi Lodi December 13, 1907 $9,000 305 West Pine Street, Lodi, CA 95240 Currently the "Carnegie Forum and City Council Chambers. The temple style Classical Revival Lodi Carnegie is notable for the incorporation of brick in the formed columns, triangular area within the pediment, and finely detailed trim.
Lompoc December 13, 1909 $10,000 200 South H Street, Lompoc, CA 93436 Currently The Lompoc Museum, an historical and archeological museum. Designed by William Weeks in the Classic Revival "temple style," and designated Lompoc Historical Landmark No. 1.
Los Angeles | Cahuenga Branch January 31, 1911 Location: 4591 West Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029 Cahuenga Branch, Los Angeles Public Library. Designed by architect C.H. Russell, in the Italian Renaissance Revival style.
Los Angeles | Lincoln Heights Los Angeles Lincoln Heights Branch Library, January 31, 1911 Location: 2530 Workman Street, Los Angeles, CA 90031 Lincoln Heights Branch, Los Angeles Public Library
Los Angeles | Vermont Square Los Angeles Vermont Square Branch Library, January 31, 1911 Location: 1201 West 48th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90037 Vermont Square Branch, Los Angeles Public Library
Los Gatos October 17, 1901 $10,400
Mill Valley January 18, 1910 $10,000 52 Lovell Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941 Currently a private residence.
Monrovia January 19, 1905 $10,000
Monterey December 24, 1907 $10,000 425 Van Buren Street, Monterey, CA 93930 Currently offices of the Monterey Institute of International Studies. Designed by William H. Weeks in the Mission Revival style.
National City February 13, 1909 $10,000
Nevada City Nevada City March 20, 1904 $10,000 211 North Pine Street, Nevada City, CA 95959 Now the Doris Foley Library for Historical Research, in the Nevada County Library System. Designed by architect: W. H. Weeks, in the Romanesque Revival style, constructed of dark gray "man-made" cast stone, and rough and smooth concrete blocks fabricated at the site. It is part of the historic downtown district placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, and was added in its own right in 1990.
Newman November 17, 1914 $8,000 1209 Main Street, Newman, CA 95360 Now the Newman Museum, the first pioneer museum in Stanislaus County when it opened in the library basement in 1941, and which currently occupies the whole building. Designed by Antioch architect Francis Reid, essentially Classical Revival style with Colonial elements in a tall, red brick building.
Oakdale May 15, 1916 $7,000
Main Oakland August 23, 1899 $190,000 659 14th Street Oakland, CA 94612 Oakland Main Library 1902-1951. Charles Greene Branch 1951-1994. Currently housing the African American Museum and Library at Oakland.
Oakland | Golden Gate Oakland August 23, 1899 Location: 5606 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland, CA 94608
Oakland | Melrose Oakland August 23, 1899 Location: 4805 Foothill Boulevard, Oakland, CA 94601
Oakland | Miller Oakland August 23, 1899 Location: 1449 Miller Avenue, Oakland, CA 94601 Currently vacant. 23rd Avenue Branch 1918-1966, Ina Coolbrith Branch 1966-1972, and Latin American Branch 1972-1976.
Oakland | Temescal Oakland August 23, 1899 Location: 5205 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609 Named the Alden Branch Library 1918-1948, Temescal Branch Library 1948–present.
Ontario June 8, 1905 $12,000
Orange March 9, 1907 $10,000
Orland November 3, 1913 $8,000
Orosi September 14, 1917 $3,000 12646 Avenue 416, Orosi, CA 93647 The last Carnegie library to be completed in California. Now the Orosi/Cutler Branch Library. It is one of only three wood frame (non-masonry) California Carnegies, designed by architect: Ernest J. Kump in the American Craftsman Bungalow style.
Oroville May 2, 1911 $10,000
Oxnard | Oxnard Carneige Art Museum, February 13, 1906 $12,000 424 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030 Carnegie Art Museum (Oxnard, California). Designed by Los Angeles architect F.P. Burnham, with four wide pedimented porticos, each supported by six Doric columns, the Oxnard Carnegie gives the impression of a temple on a hill. Designated a Ventura County landmark, and in 1971 was the first California Carnegie to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Pacific Grove March 12, 1906 $10,000
Palo Alto February 20, 1903 $10,000
Paso Robles Paso Robles December 13, 1906 $10,000 Paso Robles City Park 35°37′34.24″N 120°41′24.22″W The building has housed the El Paso de Robles Area Historical Society Museum since 1998. In 1906 the Board of Library trustees "ladies" correspondence with Andrew Carnegie resulted a letter offering that if the Paso Robles City Council agreed to provide a suitable site and maintain the Free Public Library, he would be glad to give six thousand dollars to erect the building.
Patterson June 6, 1917 $3,000
Petaluma January 13, 1903 $12,500
Porterville February 6, 1907 $10,000
Redding March 20, 1903 $10,000
Redwood City February 20, 1904 $16,000
Richmond January 14, 1909 $17,500 Currently the Richmond Museum.
Riverbank June 6, 1917 $3,000
Roseville April 25, 1911 $10,000
Sacramento February 26, 1914 $100,000
Salinas March 9, 1907 $10,000
San Anselmo January 14, 1914 $10,000
San Francisco | Main San Francisco June 20, 1901 $750,000 Civic Center, San Francisco Now housing the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.
San Francisco | Chinatown San Francisco June 20, 1901 Location:
San Francisco | Golden Gate Valley San Francisco June 20, 1901 Location:
San Francisco | Mission San Francisco June 20, 1901 Location:
San Francisco | Noe Valley San Francisco June 20, 1901 Location:
San Francisco | Presidio San Francisco June 20, 1901 Location: 3150 Sacramento Street, S.F. CA 94115 Today the branch library also houses the city's only Library for the Blind. San Francisco's seventh and last Carnegie is centered on a generous lot which extends through its city block uphill from Sacramento to Clay, with landscaping directed by John McLaren of Golden Gate Park. The brick Classical Revival building was designed by G. Albert Lansburgh, and is on San Francisco's "List of Architecturally Significant Buildings."
San Francisco | Richmond San Francisco June 20, 1901 Location:
San Francisco | Sunset San Francisco June 20, 1901 Location:
San Jose | Main San Jose March 8, 1901 $57,000
San Jose | East San Jose March 8, 1901 Location: The East San Jose Carnegie Branch Library.
San Leandro December 13, 1907 $12,000
San Luis Obispo SLO historical February 12, 1903 $10,000 San Luis Obispo County History Center and Museum, downtown on Mission Plaza.
San Mateo April 20, 1905 $12,500
San Rafael December 20, 1904 $25,000 1100 E Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 Wing of current San Rafael Public Library building.
Sanger November 17, 1914 $10,000
Santa Barbara May 8, 1914 $50,000 40 East Anapamu Street Santa Barbara Public Library
Santa Cruz | East Cliff Santa Cruz February 15, 1902 Location: 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Santa Cruz | Garfield Park Santa Cruz February 15, 1902 Location: 705 Woodrow Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Santa Cruz Library branch.
Santa Maria January 8, 1908 $10,000
Santa Monica | Ocean Park Santa Monica Ocean Park Public April 13, 1903 Location: Addition added to rear, active branch of Santa Monica Public Library.
Santa Rosa March 14, 1902 $26,900
Sebastopol November 21, 1911 $7,500
Selma March 14, 1905 $6,000
Sonoma April 25, 1911 $6,000
South Pasadena December 13, 1906 $18,600-1906, $6600–1916 1100 Oxley Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030 South Pasadena Public Library. One of the few visited by Carnegie on his 1910 trip to California. Designated a South Pasadena Cultural Heritage Landmark in 1972.
South San Francisco May 8, 1914 $10,000 South San Francisco Public Library
St. Helena December 13, 1906 $8,362
Tulare December 30, 1904 $10,000
Turlock June 1, 1915 $9,200 250 North Broadway Destroyed by fire but walls still standing. Historic building currently being restored, within the context of a new, larger addition. Anticipated completion, Summer 2011.
Ukiah City May 2, 1911 $8,000
Upland May 2, 1911 $10,000 123 East D Street, Upland, CA 91786 Designed by Los Angeles architect Homer Glidden, in the Classical Revival style. Currently a community center.
Vacaville March 14, 1905 $12,500
Vallejo December 27, 1902 $20,000
Visalia February 2, 1903 $10,000
Walnut Creek June 1, 1915 $2,500
Watsonville April 23, 1903 $12,000
Watts January 9, 1913 $10,000
Whittier December 30, 1904 $12,500
Willits December 8, 1913 $8,000
Willows February 12, 1910 $10,000
Woodland February 20, 1903 $22,000 250 First Street, Woodland, CA 95695 The Woodland Public Library. Designed by architects Dodge and Dolliver, in the Mission Revival Style. From 1915 until 1979 the building housed distinct city and Yolo County public libraries.
Yolo September 14, 1917 $3,000 37750 Sacramento Street, Yolo, CA 95697 The Yolo Library. Designed by architect William H. Weeks, as a modest low wood frame American Craftsman Bungalow.
Yreka March 14, 1913 $8,000
Oakland | Mills College Margaret Carnegie Library Building Oakland April 18, 1905 $20,000 The Oval, Mills College, Oakland, CA 94613 Academic library from 1906–1989, currently administrative offices and upstairs reading room. The Mills College Margaret Carnegie Library Building, named in honor of Andrew Carnegie's daughter, is the only California Carnegie designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan, in the Spanish Colonial Revival style.
Claremont | Pomona College Claremont March 15, 1905 $40,000 Pomona College, Claremont, CA 91711 Building has housed Pomona College offices and classrooms since 1953. Carnegie funded only two academic libraries in California, with terms different than for public libraries. The college was offered $40,000 on condition that it raise an equal endowment for maintenance. Designed by Franklin P. Burnham in a Classical Revival temple style, using reinforced concrete in an imposing exterior. It served students and public until a 1914 L.A. County Library Claremont branch opened.