Carnegie Public Library, Monte Vista Branch

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 26, 2024

1. Carnegie Public Library, Monte Vista Branch Marker

Touch for directions.

Mountains,

Valley.

West.

America,

Mountains,

Hemisphere,

World,

Anglosphere.

Spain

Texas.

From the National Register Nomination prepared by Carol Lee Dugan, Director, Carnegie Public

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Library, 12/8/1994:
Monte Vista's interest in books and libraries began quite early. In 1885, a meeting of women in the area resulted in the formation of the Women's Literary Club. This club donated fifty dollars to get a circulating library started. The first books were kept in the back of the Fassett Store on the corner of First Avenue and Adams Street. By their September 1885 meeting, it was reported that there had been 100 volumes donated and the ladies were hoping it would turn into 500 volumes by the end of the year.
On January 18, 1887, General Ira Bloomfield, a lawyer, drew up the Articles of Corporation for the Monte Vista Library Association. Lillian Fassett's store became too small to house all the books so the library was moved to the Bonner-Meade building on the north side of First Avenue. This building housed the library until both it and the books were destroyed in a fire in 1894.
With their usual resourcefulness, the women of the Monte Vista Library Association set to work earning money for a new building. They compiled a cookbook and made aprons to sell at the local fair. By the following year, they reached their goal of enough funds for a new building. In 1895, a small stone building was constructed on Jefferson Street. (This building, on a lot adjacent to the Carnegie Library, now houses the Monte Vista Historical Society.)
The library soon

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 26, 2024

2. Carnegie Public Library, Monte Vista Branch Marker

The marker is mounted on the right side of the front staircase.

outgrew this small building and the question was raised as to where to go from here. The philanthropist Andrew Carnegie could provide the solution and in 1916, Monte Vista began negotiating with the Carnegie Corporation for help in their quest to erect a building large enough to meet the needs of a their growing community. City records for March 16, 1917 read that "the Carnegie Corporation of New York has agreed to give $10,000 to erect a free public library on condition the city of Monte Vista shall pledge itself to support a free public library with tax-supported funds.” John J. Huddart, a Denver architect, was recommended. He accepted the job and submitted a preliminary plan to the Carnegie Corporation, which was approved.
The Monte Vista Library Board approved the returned plans and a building committee was selected. The city began living up to its pledge to the Carnegie Corporation to provide support for the library. Money came in from carnivals, dances, and booths. The first mill levy was placed on the property in 1918 for the library's operation and books. A book shower was held in which many desirable volumes were donated. Finally on June 4, 1919 an open house was held and the new library was officially opened to the public.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 26, 2024

3. Carnegie Public Library, Monte Vista Branch
(southwest elevation)

The newer (2000) addition can be seen at the right rear.

The Carnegie Public Library, Monte Vista Branch, is a small library opened in 1919. The building was designed by leading Denver architect John J. Huddart in the Classical Revival style. In 1995, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The Carnegie Public Library, Monte Vista Branch is one of the few original Carnegie Libraries that still exist in the United States today. Many of the Carnegie Libraries that have not been demolished are now used for other means. This makes the Carnegie Public Library, Monte Vista Branch very special. It is also on the Colorado State Historical Register and the National Historical Register.
The library was opened in June of 1919. Since then, the library has experienced many transformations. In 1998, a restoration of the existing part of the library was done to the exterior and interior of the library to further preserve this historical building. In 2000, an addition was added to the library that doubled its size. This addition to the library cost approximately $680,000.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 26, 2024

4. Carnegie Public Library, Monte Vista Branch
(northwest elevation)

The newer (2000) addition can be seen at the left rear.

Of the cost $160,000 was raised locally, while the remainder of the funds were obtained by grants. Through this grant money, the computer lab was also brought to the library, which is worth approximately $52,000. Overall, the library has had a facelift of an estimated $1 million dollar net value.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 26, 2024

5. Carnegie Public Library, Monte Vista Branch
(northeast elevation)

The newer (2000) addition can be seen on the left.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 26, 2024

6. Carnegie Public Library, Monte Vista Branch (west/front elevation)

From the National Register Nomination:  The Library faces west onto Jefferson Street and is one half level above grade. Brick walls with a concrete coping flank the steps and platform that lead to the centrally located entrance. A metal light post with a round glass globe sits on each concrete-capped wall. Two wooden and glazed doors topped with a transom light provide entry into the main floor. Pilasters flank the double door entrance and support a plain entablature with a stepped cap. Marking the entrance is "Carnegie Library" cut into cream-colored concrete above the stringcourse. On each side of the entry is a large window opening consisting of three, double leaf casements each with a divided transom light. Wooden muntins in a star-like pattern with triangular pieces of glass form the decorative transom lights that top these windows and the entrance.