San Pedro, Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County area, Los Angeles County region

opened 1906
Public library from 1906-1923
demolished, 1966

grant amount: $10,000
architectural style: Classical Revival (Type B)
architect: H. V. Bradbeer

The earliest San Pedro Library building, dating from 1888, was the work of the Literary Association of San Pedro. As the site of the Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro and its library needs grew rapidly. Carnegie funds were sought in 1905; $10,000 was granted, followed by a supplementary $375 from Carnegie and $500 from the city. Architects Edelsvard and Saffell, as well as H. V.Bradbeer, have been credited with the design of the Classical Revival style building. In 1909 San Pedro was annexed to Los Angeles. During the first world war, the San Pedro branch was noted for its service to ships, for which it was recognized by the American Library Association. By 1922 the Carnegie was outgrown; a new library completed in 1924 was subsequently replaced in 1948 and again in 1983. Meanwhile, in 1922, the city had ordered that Beacon Street be lowered by 14 feet, and the Carnegie was gently lowered after it. The old Carnegie next housed the Chamber of Commerce and then the Seamen's Library. It was demolished in 1966 to make way for the Maritime Industry Memorial.