200 W. 9th St.
Built in 1904 with a $27,000 grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the Carnegie Building originally served as Lawrence’s public library. The building was part of Carnegie’s library program, which aimed to expand free public access to knowledge across the nation. In 1937, an addition was constructed as part of a Public Works Administration (PWA) project to accommodate the library’s expanding collection of books.
The Carnegie Building served as Lawrence’s Public Library until 1972. In 1975, the Lawrence Arts Center moved into the Carnegie Building, transforming the former library into a hub for the visual and performing arts. That same year, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places as the Old City Library. In 2002, the Lawrence Arts Center moved into a larger facility at 940 New Hampshire St., leaving the building vacant.
From 2009-2010, the Carnegie Building underwent renovation by the Lawrence Parks, Recreation and Culture Department, eventually reopening for public use in 2011. Today, the tile flooring in the Heritage Room features the original stack footprints, marking where the library’s shelves once stood. The Heritage Room and East and West Galleries cannot be rented separately.
Rental information
Event Center Reservations can be made at the Community Building. 115 W. 11th St.
Call (785) 832-7920 for more information.