CARNEGIE FREE LIBRARY

195 Fifth Street

In 1910, (after much debate) the City applied for a grant of $10,000 from Andrew Carnegie. His requirements were for the City to provide the lot, hire an architect, and submit the plans to his office for approval. After the library was built the City had to provide books and furniture and hire the librarian, in perpetuity. Benefactor Caroline Hoxett purchased the lot (a former tennis court) and gave it to the City for building the library. Prominent Central Coast architect William Weeks was hired, and building was completed in July 1910.

This neoclassical design was a very popular architectural style for Carnegie libraries, especially in the West. The buff brick walls, distinctive quoins on the corners, and full entablature add to the impressive Roman-style arched recessed entry. The paired fluted Doric columns add to the neoclassic design. Windows are simple and restrained. A rear segmental arched door defines the back entrance. The sensitive massing and scale provide a perfect transition from the commercial blocks to the east to the residential blocks to the west along Fifth Street.

Andrew Carnegie is significant because of his contributions to our culture. He provided funding for 1600 similar libraries in the United States and 1400 in England and Scotland. This made it possible for common people to access libraries without charge, thus the important words below the pediment, Gilroy Free Library. Another of his requirements was that his portrait be displayed, and you will see it inside. The building served as Gilroy’s first library until we outgrew it and joined the County Library system in 1975. Since then this City-owned building has been the home of the Gilroy Museum, a fine research center. The significance of this beautiful building is magnified by its use as the repository of Gilroy’s historic artifacts and written history.