Recently, I’ve been doing some pro bono communications work for the St. Louis Public Library. It’s been a treat for me – getting to meet so many of the people that make our public libraries the magical place that they are, both employees and users.
My local branch, Barr (of Famous Barr).
When I first met the library’s communications manager, Jen, I mentioned that my local branch was Barr (that’s library speak for where did you go to high school…). She remarked how lucky I was, which drew a blank stare from my end.
Unbeknownst to me, Barr is an original Andrew Carnegie library. There are four branches that the St. Louis Public Library still operates as libraries, as well as the Central Library downtown (Barr, Cabanne, Carondelet and Carpenter). Between 1883 and 1929, Carnegie built 2,509 libraries around the United States. Thirty-three of those libraries were in Missouri, and 22 still operate at libraries today. The libraries were built back in early 1900s and, although they’ve been renovated on the inside, the exterior remains largely the same.
Looking into what might have drawn Carnegie’s interest in St. Louis, it seems that back in the mid-1800’s, Carnegie learned of James Eads plans to build a bridge over the Keystone Bridge Company. He was anxious to get involved, seeing it as an opportunity to build up business for the Keystone Bridge Company, which he managed. “The Eads bridge was
The magnificent Central Library.
Carnegie’s first involvement in a major structural steel project.”
Currently, it seems like Barr is the only branch that is officially on the National Register of Historic Places, although I found application for each of the other branches. I’d be curious if anyone knows their official status.
These are architecturally beautiful buildings and a reminder of the incredible history of our city. Even if you aren’t a fan of the public library, it’s worth driving by to marvel in where we’ve been as a city, and imagine where we will go.
urbanpioneerstl 