Pocatello Carnegie Library

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

The old Pocatello Carnegie Library is a somewhat simple but historically significant building. Built in 1907, it was designed in the Palladian style, which resembles Classical architecture. It features a beige brick exterior with light sandstone trim, pilasters (architectural features that look like columns), pediments (triangle structures), and an arch over the main entrance. It is now a part of the Marshall Public Library (an atrium connects the two buildings). The old library was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Images

The old Carnegie Library building was erected in 1907 and is an excellent example of Palladian architecture.

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

The Carnegie Library was named after philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the steel magnate who was one of the richest men in the country in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He donated money to Pocatello and countless other communities around the country to enable them to build libraries. The library was the town's first building designed to resemble buildings from the Classical (ancient Greek and Roman) period. At the time, most of the buildings in Pocatello were designed in the medieval styles. The library, then, was a notable departure for the community. For many years, it was the home of the Bannock County Historical Society. It is unclear when the Marshall Library addition was built.

Sources

Hart, Arthur A. "Carnegie Public Library." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. July 2, 1973. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/73000679_text

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Marshall Public Library

Additional Information

Marshall Public Library