Pomona Carnegie Library Opened June 11, 1903

Pomona Public Library, [n.d.] California Historical Society/University of Southern California Libraries

Thanks to a $15,000 donation from Andrew Carnegie and $2100 from local contributors, the new Pomona Library opened its doors on June 11, 1903 at the corner of Center and Main (380 N. Main). At least six architecture firms submitted plans and Franklin Pierce Burnham and William John Bliesner Jr. were chosen to design the building. [Burnham also designed Carnegie libraries in Corona and Oxnard]

Pomona Public Library [ca. 1906] California State Library

Librarian Mabel E. Prentiss and her assistants May Topliff and Mrs. S.B. Minler were the only library staff at the time of the opening. The move took eleven working days for books to be removed from the old location, fumigated, and placed in the new space. The first person through the doors on opening day was Mrs. S.J.L Loop, whose late husband Revered C.F. Loop gifted the library with their marble statue of the Goddess Pomona in 1889, which can still be seen on display in the current library. Librarians from all over Southern California were in attendance for opening day as well, including librarians from Los Angeles, Pasadena, San Bernardino, Riverside and Covina.

Pomona Public Library [ca. 1906]. California State Library

The library had its beginnings in 1887 as an organization started by clubwomen known as the Pomona Public Library and Floral Association. The group held flower shows to raise funds for the library. A close look at some of these photos show flowers and plants throughout the new Carnegie Library. The library was expanded in 1912/13 plus a WPA renovation in 1939. The Carnegie library closed its doors in 1965 when it was replaced by the current Welton Becket-designed building.