Alachua County Library History: Historical Images

One of the saddest acts in local library history, and for historic preservation in Gainesville, is the demolishment of this Carnegie Library in 1955. In the U.S. over 1,600 Carnegie Libraries were built in diverse architectural styles, and many that remain are considered historic landmarks within their communities.

The original High Springs branch was opened in a vacant building donated by the telephone company, circulating books donated by the local PTA.

The originally proposed library building was to have been 40,000 sq. ft., but budget constraints caused a scaling back of plans and the library seen in this picture was a more modest 17,500 sq. ft.

Bookmobile service in Alachua County was very popular, as indicated by circulation records, but they were especially important for serving patrons in rural areas.