Lexington Public Library 1905 - 1989 / A Carnegie Library

Lexington Public Library

First library west of the Alleghenies was est. in Lex. in 1795 as a subscription library. The Women's Club of Central Ky. worked for a free public library, and, in 1902, Andrew Carnegie gave $60,000 to build Lex. Public Library, which served community from 1905 to 1989. Books then given to new public library.

A Carnegie Library

Library trustee C. J. Bronston obtained $60,000 from Andrew Carnegie to build neoclassical Greek Revival structure designed by architect Herman Rowe. Transylvania Univ. allowed use of site in Gratz Park. Mary K. Bullitt was first librarian. In 1989 the Lex. Public Library moved to Main St.

Marker is on West Second Street.

Courtesy hmdb.org

Credits and Sources:

HMDB