National Register Listing

Carnegie Public Library

125 S. College St., Tyler, TX

Built in 1904 with a $15,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie, Tyler's Carnegie Library, the third oldest of its kind in Texas, has continuously served as a cultural center and the city's sole public library, supported by community contributions, hosting various events, and playing a vital role in education; while a new library is being planned nearby, both buildings will form a harmonious library complex.

One of the original Carnegie Libraries, this building was erected in 1904 with a $15,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie, on a lot purchased by the citizens of Tyler and deeded to the City for that purpose. It has served continuously since that time as a cultural center and as Tyler's only public library.

In a letter of March 20, 1903, Andrew Carnegie agreed to give $15,000 for a free library if the city would provide the lot and $1,500 a year for its upkeep. On May 29, 1903, the Trustees for the Tyler Public Free Library (established by contributions from 172 citizens), bought from Annie Regina McMahon for $2,000 a lot upon which to erect the library building. The lot was then conveyed to the City of Tyler as a corporation in trust perpetually for the use and benefit of the Tyler Public Free Library. Tyler's Carnegie Library was the fifteenth of thirty-four built in Texas. It is believed to be the third oldest of the ten still used as libraries.

From that day when 172 of its citizens contributed to the purchase of the lot, the Carnegie Library continued to receive the wholehearted support of the people of Tyler, as reported in the newspapers of the day. A "Circus Day Benefaction" was held on November 13, 1903, and was a major social event. Many gifts of "flowers, seeds, vines, and trees for beautifying the library grounds" were received, in addition to a grandfather clock and contributions of money toward a fence and sidewalks. A "handsome piano" for Carnegie Hall (the auditorium) was given by the Mendolsohn-Sherwood Club, a "fine oil painting" was given by Mrs. Vernon White, a "well-known Texas artist", and many books, plants, and files of magazines were given by others. The Mollie Moore Davis Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy gave a portrait of Robert E. Lee, and later, one of Jefferson Davis.

The library served as the major center for cultural activities in the area for many years. For a long period, it was Tyler's only auditorium and housed a variety of events. The newspapers record a number of performances in Carnegie Hall - piano, song, and expression recitals, in addition to plays, lectures, readings, and occasional benefits. In later years, the auditorium was used by the Lutheran congregation and by the Tyler Civic Theater for its productions.

The library clerk kept close ties to the school system, working out courses of study and hosting field trips. Classes were also held in the library sometimes since the school libraries were inadequate. These uses, in addition to evening hours, regular story hours for children, and summer children's reading programs, meant that the Carnegie Library has played a varied and significant role in the life of Tyler.

A new library is now being planned for Tyler, directly across the side street to the south of the Carnegie Library. The new building is being designed to harmonize with the present library, and the two together will be known as the library complex.

Local significance of the building:
Education; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.