If you’re interested in local history, you might want to visit the Austin History Center. This local history archive is the local library’s local history collection. It is located in the David Earl Holt Gallery Room. Besides the historical documents on display, the center also features a special exhibit about Austin’s first public library, which opened on March 10, 1933. It was created by local contributors and was the city’s first permanent library.
Austin’s first permanent library opened on March 10, 1933
The Austin Public Library had its humble beginnings in the year 1913. In that year, Austin Mayor A.P. Wooldridge petitioned the Texas legislature to re-designate an empty lot for a public library. The legislature agreed, but the site remained vacant for nearly a decade. After this time, the Austin Chapter of the American Association of University Women, along with civic leaders Grace Delano Clark, led a campaign to build a library on the site. By 1926, the community had a temporary building built and commissioned architect Hugo Franz Kuehne to design a permanent library.
Austin’s first permanent library was built by Hugo Franz Kuehne
The Austin Public Library opened in 1933. Hugo Kuehne, a native of Austin, was the architect of the library and the first dean of the University of Texas School of Architecture. Kuehne’s design incorporated ornamental wrought iron and interior woodwork that were made by master carver Peter Mansbendel. Kuehne’s ceiling design featured tracery frescoes by Jessen and Peter Alidi.
Austin’s first permanent library was located in the David Earl Holt Gallery Room
The David Earl Holt Gallery Room, the oldest part of the history center, houses a collection of historic photographs and artifacts that reflect the city’s early days. The space seats 62 people and can be reserved for events by nonprofit organizations. It is accessed through large wooden double doors with glass transoms and features a fireplace between the entrance doors. The fireplace is original to the building, which became the Austin Public Library in 1933. It features a Fred Eder-designed bas-relief carving and oak trim baseboards.
Austin’s first permanent library was built by local contributors.
The original plan for the Austin Public Library, which opened on March 10, 1933, was created by architect Hugo Kuehne, an Austin native and former dean of the University of Texas School of Architecture. The building features ornamental wrought iron work, woodwork carved by master woodcarver Peter Mansbendel, and tracery frescoes painted by Peter Alidi and Jessen.
Austin’s first permanent library was located in the Austin/Travis County Collection of the Austin Public Library
The Austin/Travis County Collection was first established in 1955. It grew from one file folder to a separate section of the Austin Public Library’s Reference department. The Austin History Center was spearheaded by Audray Bateman Randle. He consulted with community leaders and members of the Association of Austin History Centers to create the collection. The Austin History Center contains collections of historical and cultural artifacts and photos that were donated by citizens. Browse next article