Palestine Carnegie Library
Palestine, Anderson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Outgrowth of 1853 effort by Judge John Graham Gooch to see circulating library established in Palestine, at first lending his own books. Original city library was replaced by this structure, built 1914 with aid from the Carnegie Foundation. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1970
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Palestine's public library grew from an 1853 effort by Judge John Graham Gooch, who lent his own books to start a circulating collection. The original city library was replaced in 1914 by this building, erected with help from the Carnegie Foundation. It was named a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1970.
Why it matters
Carnegie-funded libraries brought free public reading to small American towns and remain landmarks of the era's faith in self-improvement.
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Related people
- · John Graham Gooch
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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