New Westminster in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)
Carnegie Library
1905 - 1958
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, June 10, 2010
1. Carnegie Library Marker
Industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of over 2,500 libraries around the world. The New Westminster Library was one of these and stood as a landmark in the community for 53 years. The need for more space to meet the requirements of the citizens of New Westminster led to the building of a larger facility on the current site, uptown at 718 - 6th Avenue. The Carnegie Library closed when the new building opened on November 19, 1958. It was later demolished.
This plaque was made possible by the City of New Westminster and the New Westminster Public Library Board.
Erected 2000 by City of New Westminster and the New Westminster Public Library Board.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Carnegie Libraries series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1942.
Location. 49° 12.217′ N, 122° 54.603′ W. Marker is in New
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 16 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The New Westminster Court House and Land Registry Office (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Fire (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Irving House (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Salmon! (approx. 3 kilometers away); Canadian Northern Railway Station (approx. 15.7 kilometers away); 144 West 10th Avenue (approx. 15.8 kilometers away); 148 West 10th Avenue (approx. 15.8 kilometers away); 150 West 10th Avenue (approx. 15.8 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Westminster.
Regarding Carnegie Library.
• Of the approximately 2,500 public libraries funded by Andrew Carnegie, 125 were built in Canada. Most of these, 111, were built in Ontario, but 3 were built in British Columbia: Victoria, Vancouver, and New Westminster.
• In 1902 the City of New Westminster received a $15,000 (US) grant to build the library.
• The Library stood on "Library Square" the block bounded by McKenzie, Carnarvon, Lorne and Agnes. Prior to the 1898 fire which devastated New Westminster, the city hall had stood on this site.
Photographed By P. Timms, circa 1909
2. Carnegie Library in New Westminster, circa 1909
This photo, provided courtesy of the New Westminster Public Library, is a reproduction of a tinted postcard from the early part of the 20th Century published by Valentine & Sons Publishing Company of Montreal.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, June 10, 2010
3. Carnegie Library Marker - Wide View
The marker, visible here to the right of the railing, is mounted to a retaining wall just off the sidewalk at the entrance to Begbie Square.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,550 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 21, 2010, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
