Ensley Library: Difference between revisions
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The '''Ensley Library''' (or '''Birmingham Public Library East Ensley Branch''') is a branch of the [[Birmingham Public Library]] located at 1201 [[25th Street Ensley|25th Street]] in [[Ensley]]. | The '''Ensley Library''' (or '''Birmingham Public Library East Ensley Branch''') is a branch of the [[Birmingham Public Library]] located at 1201 [[25th Street Ensley|25th Street]] in [[Ensley]]. | ||
The original Ensley library, supported by a $10,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie, opened its doors on [[July 12]], [[1906]] as the first free public library in [[Jefferson County]]. More than 2,000 people attended the grand opening at the corner of [[Avenue H Ensley|Avenue H]] and [[18th Street Ensley|18th Street]]. The building, designed by [[Breeding & Whilldin]], was a compact T-shaped block typical of Carnegie libraries. It measured 56 1/2 feet wide by 48 1/2 feet front to back and was clad in gray pressed brick with stone trim. | The original Ensley library, supported by a $10,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie, opened its doors on [[July 12]], [[1906]] as the first free public library in [[Jefferson County]]. More than 2,000 people attended the grand opening at the corner of [[Avenue H Ensley|Avenue H]] and [[18th Street Ensley|18th Street]]. The building, designed by [[Breeding & Whilldin]], was a compact T-shaped block typical of Carnegie libraries. It measured 56 1/2 feet wide by 48 1/2 feet front-to-back and was clad in gray pressed brick with stone trim. | ||
[[Lila Chapman]] was employed as the first librarian. The [[Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Company]] donated a collection of technical books and the [[Ensley Land Company]] provided for subscriptions to various newspapers and magazines. | [[Lila Chapman]] was employed as the first librarian. The [[Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Company]] donated a collection of technical books and the [[Ensley Land Company]] provided for subscriptions to various newspapers and magazines. | ||
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At some point, the library moved to a new building at [[Avenue I Ensley|Avenue I]] and [[5th Street Ensley|5th Street]]. The original building was rented to a physician and later demolished. | At some point, the library moved to a new building at [[Avenue I Ensley|Avenue I]] and [[5th Street Ensley|5th Street]]. The original building was rented to a physician and later demolished. | ||
The current Ensley Library was constructed in [[1955]], opening on [[June 26]]. The new steel-framed building with brick infill panels was air-conditioned and added a children's area and a meeting room. The modern design of the building won an award from the [[Alabama Chapter of the American Institute of Architects]] and the building was profiled in the Italian building magazine ''Vitrum'' | The current Ensley Library was constructed in [[1955]], opening on [[June 26]]. The new steel-framed building with brick infill panels was air-conditioned and added a children's area and a meeting room. The modern design of the building won an award from the [[Alabama Chapter of the American Institute of Architects]] and the building was profiled in [[1957]] in the Italian building magazine ''Vitrum''. | ||
In [[2004]] the library was again closed for renovations, including new air conditioning, carpeting and insulated windows as well as enlarged bathrooms and improved accommodation for patrons with disabilities. | In [[1977]] a burglary and arson was committed at the library, required extensive repairs. | ||
In [[2004]] the library was again closed for renovations, including new air conditioning, carpeting and insulated windows as well as enlarged bathrooms and improved accommodation for patrons with disabilities. [[Richard Upton]], architect for the [[Birmingham Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits]], designed the renovations, which were executed by [[Battle Miller Construction]] and [[Jordan Construction]]. The Ensley Library reopened on [[October 9]], [[2005]]. | |||
==Directors== | |||
* [[Lila Chapman]], 1906– | |||
* [[Maxine Matthews]], 2005 | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
* [http://www. | * [http://www.cobpl.org/locations/branch/Ensley/ Birmingham Public Library Ensley Branch] at cobpl.org | ||
[[Category:Birmingham Public Library]] | [[Category:Birmingham Public Library]] | ||
Revision as of 16:38, 3 April 2021
The Ensley Library (or Birmingham Public Library East Ensley Branch) is a branch of the Birmingham Public Library located at 1201 25th Street in Ensley.
The original Ensley library, supported by a $10,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie, opened its doors on July 12, 1906 as the first free public library in Jefferson County. More than 2,000 people attended the grand opening at the corner of Avenue H and 18th Street. The building, designed by Breeding & Whilldin, was a compact T-shaped block typical of Carnegie libraries. It measured 56 1/2 feet wide by 48 1/2 feet front-to-back and was clad in gray pressed brick with stone trim.
Lila Chapman was employed as the first librarian. The Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Company donated a collection of technical books and the Ensley Land Company provided for subscriptions to various newspapers and magazines.
The library became a branch of the Birmingham Public Library after Ensley was merged into Greater Birmingham in 1911. Chapman later became head of the Birmingham library system.
At some point, the library moved to a new building at Avenue I and 5th Street. The original building was rented to a physician and later demolished.
The current Ensley Library was constructed in 1955, opening on June 26. The new steel-framed building with brick infill panels was air-conditioned and added a children's area and a meeting room. The modern design of the building won an award from the Alabama Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the building was profiled in 1957 in the Italian building magazine Vitrum.
In 1977 a burglary and arson was committed at the library, required extensive repairs.
In 2004 the library was again closed for renovations, including new air conditioning, carpeting and insulated windows as well as enlarged bathrooms and improved accommodation for patrons with disabilities. Richard Upton, architect for the Birmingham Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits, designed the renovations, which were executed by Battle Miller Construction and Jordan Construction. The Ensley Library reopened on October 9, 2005.
Directors
- Lila Chapman, 1906–
- Maxine Matthews, 2005
References
- Prince, A. G. (1982) Landmarks of Ensley: Past and Present. revised edition. Ensley: Best Printing Service
External links
- Birmingham Public Library Ensley Branch at cobpl.org