Carnegie Free Public Library (Owensboro)
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| Carnegie Free Public Library | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Address | 901 Frederica Street |
| City | Owensboro |
| State | Kentucky |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1909 |
| Style | Beaux-Arts |
| Owner | City of Owensboro (at time of listing) |
| Current use | Art museum |
| National Register of Historic Places | |
| Reference # | 86001427 |
| Listed | 1986 |
| Criteria | Criterion C (architecture) |
| Period | 1909 |
The Carnegie Free Public Library is a two-story Beaux-Arts civic building located at the corner of Frederica Street and Ninth Street in Owensboro, Kentucky. Constructed in 1909 with a donation from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, it served as Owensboro's public library until 1968 and has since been used as an art museum. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 as part of the Owensboro Multiple Resource Area.
Description
Perched on the corner of Frederica Street and Ninth Street, the building is a fine example of Beaux-Arts architecture. The elegance and symmetry of the structure begins with a stone walkway leading up from Frederica Street, along with stone benches and urns creating a courtyard effect. The completely symmetrical front has a slightly projecting central portico containing the main entrance. The handsomely carved wood doorway is topped by a panel reading FREE TO ALL and a sandstone triangular pediment. An arched window rises above the doorway to provide light for the interior front hallway. The corners of the central portico are defined by double sandstone pilasters, and single Ionic columns rise two stories on each side of the front entrance. The columns and pilasters support a monumental frieze with the words CARNEGIE PUBLIC LIBRARY carved into it, along with ANNO MCMIX (the year 1909). The frieze is topped by dentilled molding and a sandstone cornice. The symmetrical side wings are punctuated by single deeply recessed windows at the first and second floor levels.
The Ninth Street facade is flush to the sidewalk and rests on an extensive stone foundation. Three identical window bays pierce this side wall at regular intervals, with triple rectangular windows on the first floor and arched windows on the second floor. The two-story yellow brick structure was constructed on a portion of the front lawn of the Hampton Smith House.
History
In 1903 the Owensboro Business Men's Association solicited a $30,000 donation from Andrew Carnegie for a library building. City budgeted funds were added to public contributions to purchase the lot at 9th and Frederica Street. The building was constructed in 1909 and served as the city's public library for nearly sixty years. It was converted to the Area Museum in 1968 when the library moved to a larger facility. Nine years later it became the home of the Museum of Fine Art when the Area Museum relocated. The classical detailing of the structure is common to Carnegie Libraries constructed across America after the turn of the century.
Significance
The Carnegie Building is a fine example of Beaux-Arts civic architecture and reflects the community's continuing interest in cultural enrichment. It is one of numerous Carnegie libraries funded across the United States as part of Andrew Carnegie's philanthropic effort to expand public access to books and education.
References
- Kentucky Heritage Council. National Register of Historic Places Nomination: Owensboro Multiple Resource Area. Frankfort: Kentucky Heritage Council, 1985.