Library Building and Development Records

Finding aid created by Monterey Public Library staff using RecordEXPRESS

Monterey Public Library

625 Pacific Street

Monterey, California 93940

(831) 646-3741

https://monterey.org/library/services/research/history_room/index.php

2023

Descriptive Summary

Title: Library Building and Development Records

Dates: 1901-1914

Collection Number: ARC 538

Creator/Collector:

Extent: 0.4 cubic ft. : 11 folders in 1 document case.

Repository: Monterey Public Library

Monterey, California 93940

Abstract: Legal, financial, and administrative records of the Monterey Public Library pertaining to the funding and building of the Monterey Public Free Library in 1910-1911.

Language of Material: English

Access

Access by appointment only; contact Local History Librarian or designated staff.

Publication Rights

Reproduction by Local History Librarian or other designated staff; may be restricted due to condition of the materials.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item]. Library Building and Development Records. Collection Number: ARC 538. Monterey Public Library

Acquisition Information

Transfer to the Monterey Public Library after 1914.

Biography/Administrative History

The first new Monterey Library building in the 20th century was built at the corner of Van Buren and Franklin streets in 1910-11. It was made possible by a $10,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie's trust fund for "free public libraries", the first of the wealthy steel industrialist's public endowment programs. The building was designed by the Watsonville architect W. H. Weeks, who is responsible for several other structures in Monterey. The building contractor was Robert Trost. When the Monterey Library moved to larger quarters at its current location, in 1952, the Carnegie Building became the initial home of the Monterey Institute of International Studies and is still part of the Institute's complex.

Scope and Content of Collection

Collection consists of the Library Board of Trustees' correspondence with Andrew Carnegie and his assistant, with architect William H. Weeks, and with the builder Robert Trost; building indentures, agreements, and resolutions; building plans, The Monterey Library Association constitution and by-laws; and Library rules and book lists.