Site Of Nevada's First Public Library
Reno, Washoe County, Nevada
Marker Inscription
Site Of Nevada’s First Public Library. In 1895, Washoe County District Attorney, Frank H. Norcross, later a Chief Justice of the Nevada Supreme Court and a Federal Judge, began a drive to establish Nevada’s first free public library in Reno. That year, he persuaded the Nevada Legislature to enact a law establishing Nevada’s public libraries.The state’s first public library building was erected on this site in 1904, with $15,000 donated by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie on land originally donated to the City of Reno by pioneer Myron C. Lake. It remained in service until 1930, when growth forced its relocation to the site where the Pioneer Theater Auditorium now stands. The library was sold for $1 and demolished in 1931.In 1966, the library was relocated to a new building at Center and Liberty Streets, three blocks south of this site.
Erected by Washoe County Library System
The Story
In 1895 Washoe County District Attorney Frank H. Norcross—later a state chief justice and federal judge—led a campaign that persuaded the Nevada Legislature to create the state's public library system. Nevada's first public library building rose on this site in 1904, funded by a $15,000 gift from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie on land pioneer Myron C. Lake had donated to Reno. It served until 1930, was sold for a single dollar, and was demolished in 1931.
Why it matters
It marks the birthplace of Nevada's public library system and reflects Andrew Carnegie's nationwide crusade to put free libraries within reach of ordinary Americans.
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Related people
- · Frank H. Norcross
- · Andrew Carnegie
- · Myron C. Lake
Themes & tags
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