Grand Avenue Library
The Grand Avenue Library opened its doors in 1916 as South San Francisco's first library, one of
thousands of new libraries in the United States funded by a grant from businessman and
philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.Local teacher Rue Randall Clifford collected the signatures needed for the grant while riding on horseback throughout the City. Ms. Clifford's hard work paid off, and in 1914, Mr. Carnegie awarded the City $10,000 for construction of a library. The building was designed by architect W.H. Weeks and built by the O'Rourke and Grady Construction Company. The Grand Avenue Library served as the City's only library for nearly 50 years, until a new main library opened on West Orange Avenue in 1966.
The Grand Avenue Library has been renovated several times over the years. In 1953, construction was completed on a new children's wing at the back of the library. As part of this renovation, the mural "Wynken, Blynken, and Nod” by Gladding, McBean and Company was installed around the fireplace. In 1985, the library's interior was remodeled to make space for more books and the main entrance was relocated to Walnut Avenue. The building was designated a local Historic Resource the following year.
The building underwent a seismic upgrade in 1997. In 2012, the exterior was restored and painted to complement the adjacent City Hall building.
Celebrating
this page online
(Timeline not transcribed - click on marker photo to read the timeline.)
Erected by City of South San Francisco.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical month for this entry is October 2016.
Location. 37° 39.368′ N, 122° 24.84′ W. Marker is in South San Francisco, California, in San Mateo County. Marker is at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Walnut Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Grand Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 306 Walnut Avenue, South San Francisco CA 94080, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Grand Avenue Library (a few steps from this marker); City Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Enterprise Journal (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Women's Club (about 400 feet away); General Hospital (about 600 feet away); South San Francisco General Hospital (about 700 feet away); Eikerenkotter House (about 700 feet away); St. Paul's United Methodist Church (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South San Francisco.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Also see . . . Grand Avenue Library (City of South San Francisco). (Submitted on July 12, 2021.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 80 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 12, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
