Prescott in Yavapai County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Carnegie Library
Photographed By Joseph Cavinato, July 13, 2009
1. The Carnegie Library Marker
Prescott's first library consisted of over 300 volumes brought to the Territory in 1864 by Secretary of State Richard C. McCormick. In 1870, a group of local women opened a reading room with 263 books collected from local citizens and out-of-town newspapers. Run by private parties, this was the only source of library material. In 1895 the Women's Club of Prescott (later knows ad the "Monday Club") was formed. Their dream was to establish a free library "as attractive as an evening resort".In June, 1899, Prescott Monday Club member Julia Goldwater wrote a letter to Andrew Carnegie requesting funds for a free library. Carnegie offered half the sum requested with the understanding that first the matching $4,000 had to be raised in the community. Eventually, the funds were raised and a building lot was granted. But the fire of July 14, 1900 destroyed all of the books for the library. The ladies of the Monday Club pressed on, accepting the donation of replacement books for the library. The Prescott Public Free Library (Carnegie Library), located here on the southwest corner of Gurley and Marina Streets, finally opened on November 24,
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Built in a Classical Revival style of brick and stone with a symmetrical facade, a pediment over the main entry door and a beautiful arched window above the entry, it is typical of the traditional styles being built in Prescott in the early 20th Century. This library served the Prescott community until 1974, when the current, City of Prescott library opened.
Erected by Historic Preservation Fund and the City of Prescott.
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 June 1899.
Location. 34° 32.497′ N, 112° 28.053′ W. Marker is in Prescott, Arizona, in Yavapai County. Marker is at the intersection of East Gurley Street (Arizona Route 89) and Marina Street, on the left when traveling west on East Gurley Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Prescott AZ 86301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hassayampa Inn (within shouting distance of this marker); The Day Octagon (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Knights of Pythias Building (about 300 feet away); Prescott National Bank (about 300 feet away); The Bank of Arizona and the Electric Buildings
Photographed By Joseph Cavinato, January 7, 2003
2. The Carnegie Library Marker
Photographed By City of Prescott Photo
3. Close-Up of Photo on Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2009, by Joseph Cavinato of Fountain Hills, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,447 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 13, 2009, by Joseph Cavinato of Fountain Hills, Arizona. 3. submitted on July 13, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
