Eagle Rock's Libraries
The Old Carnegie Library
The Old Carnegie Library A citizens committee including Blanche Gardiner, later the librarian, raised the funds for the building with the help of a grant from the Carnegie foundation. It was constructed in 1914 after a spirited debate over its location. The books were initially from the County of Los Angeles. A controversy developed and the County books were withdrawn. The library closed for a short time then reopened with books collected from Eagle Rock’s citizenry. Charles Lummis, Los Angeles’ first librarian and Southwest museum founder spoke at the reopening.
Mrs. Blanche Gardiner, Librarian, and founder of the Eagle Rock Library, at her retirement.
The 1927 Library
Main reading room of the old Eagle Rock Public Library (Newton and Meyers, Architects)
The New Library 1981
The Ribbon Cutting By1980 a new library was needed. A new more acessable facility was constructed on Merton Avenue. Here Senator Edward Roybal, Councilman Arthur K. Snyder, Mayor Tom Bradley, TV weatherman George Fischbeck and other dignitaries cut the ribbon on October 3, 1981. The facility boasted 12/500 square feet of space and could hold up to 72,800 volumes.
From Library To Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock
The Blue Ribbon Committee Inside the Restored Library A diverse group was selected by Councilman Richard Alatorre to discuss the use of the newly earthquake safe Historic building. The Committee recommended a mixed community use. This was modified by the City in a citywide effort to partner with regional Arts education nonprofits. This partnership was the beginning of today’s Center for the Arts Eagle Rock. The community is still represented in the building by the Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society.
