The Carnegie Library, Tyler’s first public library building

Sources

1. National Register nomination: Tyler Downtown Historic District (listed 2022; THC Atlas)atlas.thc.texas.govBy the time the new college building opened in 1904, the city's first public library, Carnegie Library (Resource 94, photo 19, fig. 9), had been constructedThe fifteenth of 34 Carnegie libraries in Texas, the Tyler Carnegie Library had two large rooms on the first floor and an auditoriumAccording to the Smith County Historical Society, the Carnegie Library was the first building in downtown Tyler to have running water.the city’s first public library, Carnegie Library (Resource 94, photo 19, fig. 9), had been constructed on the adjacent lot. With a $15,000 grant from philanthropist Andrew CarnegieThe fifteenth of 34 Carnegie libraries in Texas, the Tyler Carnegie Library had two large rooms on the first floor and an auditorium—Carnegie Hall—on the second.The Chicago-based architecture firm Patton & Miller designed the library
2. Texas Historical Commission marker: Tyler Carnegie Library (Atlas 5507016531)atlas.thc.texas.govIn 1902, the Tyler Free Library Board requested funding for a library building from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie agreed to provide $15,000 to the City of TylerFor many years this was the only public auditorium in Tyler.
3. National Register Multiple Property Documentation Form: Historic and Architectural Resources of Tyler, Texas (Diane E. Williams, 2000; THC Atlas)atlas.thc.texas.govthe public library moved into its own quarters in 1904 upon completion of the Classical Revival style Carnegie Library

Checked October 15, 2026. How the cards are filed