Ensley Library

The Ensley Library (or Birmingham Public Library 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, was built on the corner of Avenue H and 18th Street. 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.

It opened on July 12, 1906 and was the first free public library in Jefferson County. Lila Chapman was employed as the first librarian.

The library became a branch of the Birmingham Public Library in 1911 and 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 modern design of the building won an award from the American Institute of Architects.

In 1977 a burglary and arson was committed at the library, required extensive repairs. In 2004 the library was again closed for renovations. It reopened on October 9, 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 web page