Livermore in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Carnegie Library
Built 1911
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 5, 2009
1. Carnegie Library Marker
1911 to 1966
City of Livermore Historic Preservation Landmark Site
Dedicated July 1996
Operated by Livermore Area Recreation and Park District
Nearby Rededication Plaque reads:
Andrew J. Carnegie Building
L.A.R.P.D. and the citizens of Livermore
Erected 1996 by City of Livermore.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Carnegie Libraries series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.
Location. 37° 40.784′ N, 121° 46.117′ W. Marker is in Livermore, California, in Alameda County. It can be reached from Third Street near J Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2155 Third Street, Livermore CA 94550, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area and on the Coast Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mills Square Flag Pole (within shouting distance of this marker); Frank S. Fennon House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Presbyterian Church Memorial Chapel (about
this page online
More about this marker. The marker is located at the base of the column to the left of the front entrance.
Regarding Carnegie Library. The library building shares elements at its entrance common to many Carnegie libraries: a stairway symbolizing personal elevation through learning, and lampposts at the front entrance symbolizing enlightenment.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 5, 2009
2. Carnegie Library Rededication Plaque
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 5, 2009
3. Carnegie Library (Constructed 1911)
The Livermore public library can trace its roots back to establishment of the Livermore Public Library Association in 1878. Membership in the library was $3.00 per year. In 1901, Livermore became one of the first cities in California to establish a tax-supported public library. In 1909, the Carnegie Foundation granted the City's library $10,000 for the construction of a new library.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 5, 2009
4. Carnegie Library - Columns, Pediment, and Decorative Ornamentation
The library (including the fountain in front) was designed William H. Weeks, a Watsonville-based architect responsible for a number of public buildings in California, including both the Oroville and San Luis Obispo Carnegie libraries, as well as 18 other Carnegie libraries, the Hotel Durant in Berkeley, and numerous high schools and other public buildings in California.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 5, 2009
5. Carnegie Library in Carnegie Park in Livermore
In 1966 the Carnegie Library was replaced by a larger, more modern libary. The building now houses the Livermore Heritage Guild History Center, a genealogical library, and the Livermore Arts Association.
Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, March 27, 2022
6. NRHP Plaque
Marker placed on the steps.
Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, March 27, 2022
7. Carnegie Library Fountain Marker
Another marker on the steps for the fountain.
Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, March 27, 2022
8. Colusa Sandstone Fountain
Credits. This page was last revised on November 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 8, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 2,507 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 8, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 6, 7, 8. submitted on April 6, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
