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  Texas : Texas Architecture : Carnegie Libraries : Bryan

The Carnegie Center of Brazos Valley History
Formerly The Carnegie Library
Bryan, Texas

c. 1902

by John Troesser

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capitol of Carnegie Library column The capitol of one of the entry columns
Photo John Troesser

Situated downtown at 111 South Main Street, the Center features an extensive genealogical collection, historical documents, photographs, genealogical CDs and an efficient and friendly staff.

The building is the only one of the Carnegie Libraries in Texas built without a basement.

Confederates in the Library
A small marker to the right of the main entrance acknowledges the buildings use as "The Last Headquarters" of Hood's Texas Brigade. The veterans used the upstairs of the building for their meetings until there were none left to attend. (Image: The plaque identifying Hood's Brigade's last headquarters, Photo by John Troesser )

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Andrew Carnegie portrait oil painting A portrait of Andrew Carnegie

Photo Courtesy The Carnegie Center of Brazos Valley History
Bryan Texas Carnegie Library interior The building's staircase and lighting

Photo Courtesy The Carnegie Center of Brazos Valley History

The cornerstone was laid in 1902 and the building was finished the following year.

The building is spacious while remaining cozy and while it seems at first palatial - the seemingly extravagant interior is due to the meticulous care and upkeep of the building. The richness of the yellow pine floor puts most basketball courts to shame.

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Carnegie Library vintage photo, Bryan, Texas For a period the library sat unused and in need of some serious landscaping.

Photo Courtesy The Carnegie Center of Brazos Valley History
The LaSalle Hotel across the street from the center allowed
an "aerial view" of the library.


Photo Courtesy Clara B. Mounce &
The Carnegie Center of Brazos Valley History
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Wednesday
(979) 209 5630
Volunteers Needed

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© John Troesser
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This page last modified: October 20, 2006