Provo City Library

The Provo Library was founded in 1905. Prior to 1905 there were efforts to establish library service in Provo. In 1854 there was a collection of 120 volumes for community use. By 1870 the Provo Library and Reading Room Association was founded only to dissolve about two years later. In 1875 the small collection became available on the library shelves of the Brigham Young Academy. Karl G. Maeser, the Academy's principal stated that "the Library has received an encouraging start by having the privilege of placing the books of the Provo Library upon its shelves."

In 1905 the "Book Club" was founded with the purpose of acquiring a Carnegie Library Building for Provo. In 1905 the City Council appointed a board of Trustees for the Provo Free Public Library and Reading Room. The trustees began corresponding with Andrew Carnegie, a noted philanthropist who funded the construction of hundreds of libraries across the nation. Carnegie funding had several requirements which the Board began working to meet. In October 1905 the Library was given approval to occupy the basement of the Courthouse.

On January 2, 1906 the Library opened with a collection of 1,425 books donated by individuals in the community. The collection doubled in the next two years, having 3000 volumes by April of 1908. Andrew Carnegie granted $17,500 for the construction of a new building. Provo City also contributed to the project and land was acquired by the City from Jesse Knight at 15 North 100 East. On December 1, 1908 the Library moved into a new building provided by a grant of $17,500 from Andrew Carnegie.

By 1924 it was noted that "the institution is greatly in need of more room". With $59,000 from the WPA the remodeled and expanded facility opened on July 28, 1939. The collection then had 27,827 volumes and 90 magazine subscriptions. An Art Center was located in the basement of the Library which provided art instruction and exhibits. By 1975 the Library had grown to 65,000 volumes and 125 periodical subscriptions. The expanded and remodeled Carnegie building served the citizens of Provo until 1989.

The Provo Library provides our community with an inviting center for information, instruction,learning, leisure, and cultural opportunities.

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