Calexico in Imperial County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Calexico Carnegie Library

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, December 15, 2012

1. Calexico Carnegie Library Marker

Inscription. Completed in 1919, the library was constructed with a $10,000 grant from industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Calexico's Woman's Improvement Club and the Farmers and Merchants Club encouraged the city to apply for the Carnegie funds. In order to receive a Carnegie grant, the city was required to demonstrate a need, provide a suitable site and agree to provide operating support through local taxes. Over 2500 library buildings were constructed worldwide with Carnegie grants.

The original master plan designed by the architectural firm of Allison & Allison called for this building to be part of a larger "Intellectual Park" that was to include the library, schools, churches, and civic buildings. The library, designed in the mission revival style, served as the city's public library from 1919 to 1986.

When threatened with demolition in 1993, preservationist and the citizens of Calexico united to save this building. In doing so, they reaffirmed the historic importance of the Carnegie Library and its significance for future generations.

Erected 2007 by the City of Calexico, Imperial County Board of Supervisor, The Calexico Carnegie Technology Center and The Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, John P Squibob Chapter #1853.

Topics and series. This historical

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marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Carnegie Libraries, and the E Clampus Vitus series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1919.

Location. 32° 40.181′ N, 115° 29.601′ W. Marker is in Calexico, California, in Imperial County. Marker is at the intersection of Heber Avenue and Fifth Street, on the right when traveling north on Heber Avenue. Marker is on the southeast corner. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Calexico CA 92231, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Camp Salvation (within shouting distance of this marker); Hotel De Anza (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); United States Inspection Station (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Irrigation Water Into Imperial Valley (approx. 3.4 miles away); Camacho's Place and Café (approx. 7.4 miles away); Women's 10,000 Club (approx. 9.2 miles away); Imperial Valley Press (approx. 9½ miles away); Site of Rancho El Tecolote (approx. 9.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Calexico.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, December 15, 2012

2. Calexico Carnegie Library Marker

Calexico Carnegie Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, December 15, 2012

3. Calexico Carnegie Library

NRHP marker for Calexico Carnegie Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, December 15, 2012

4. NRHP marker for Calexico Carnegie Library

Calexico Carnegie Library
1919
Has been placed on the
National Register of Historic Places
By the United States
Department of the Interior
2005

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, December 15, 2012

5. Calexico Carnegie Library

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 23, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 702 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 23, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.