Colorado Springs Public Library–Carnegie Building facts for kids
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Colorado Springs Public Library–Carnegie Building
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 Location in Colorado
Location in the United States
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| Location | 21 W. Kiowa Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado |
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| Built | 1905 |
| Architect | Calvin Kiessling |
| Architectural style | Neo-classical |
| NRHP reference No. | 96001238 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 1, 1996 |
The Colorado Springs Public Library–Carnegie Building is a beautiful old library in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was built with money from the Andrew Carnegie Library Fund. This building is very important! It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a special landmark.
Contents
Discover the Library's History
How the Carnegie Library Was Built
A long time ago, a rich man named Andrew Carnegie gave $60,000 to build this library. That was a lot of money back in 1905! The library was designed by an architect named Calvin Kiessling. He wanted the building to be useful and beautiful.
Special Features of the Building
One side of the library is shaped like a half-circle. It has a cool balcony. From there, you can see amazing views of Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains. The building is made from different kinds of stone. These include granite, marble, and sandstone.
Inside, the library had many rooms. There were reading areas and space for 17,000 books. It also had a big room for events. Calvin Kiessling said the building was perfect for a modern library. He also said it let people enjoy the mountain views.
The Library Today
In 1967, a new part called the Penrose Library was added. The Carnegie Library still has a very special collection. This collection is all about the history of Colorado Springs.
Explore the Library's Collections
What You Can Find Here
The Carnegie building is home to special collections. These focus on family history (genealogy) and local history. You can find many interesting things here. There are old books, important papers, and even photographs. You can also look at old maps and magazines.
Digital Resources for Research
Besides printed materials, the library offers more. You can use special computer programs. These programs help you research your family tree. The library is also connected to FamilySearch. This is a huge website for family history.
Visit the Demonstration Garden
A Peaceful Place to Learn
In 2007, a special garden opened next to the library. It is called a demonstration garden. Master Gardeners, library staff, and volunteers created it. The garden is a quiet spot in the city. It's also a place to learn about plants. All the plants here grow well in Colorado Springs.
Art and Nature Together
The garden has beautiful sculptures. These were made by artists from the local area. You can also find benches and stone walls. There is even a small stage. It's a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
