This building has carved out a name for itself. Library corner has served as the "Meeting Place" for decades since it opened its doors on March 31, 1919.

The story behind the establishment of this well-known and esteemed institution began in May 1909, when the then Mayor of San Fernando Mr. J.D. Hobson, approached Mr. Andrew Carnegie, Scottish-born American philanthropist, for aid in establishing a library.

Two years later, on July 15, 1911, Mr. Carnegie, in true philanthropic spirit, gave the Borough Council 2,500 pounds for the purpose of building a free public library. In November that same year, the Council granted the Library Committee the site, which was then occupied by the Central Market for the erection of the library.

In August 1912, Mr. E.R. Gammon, architect, attached to the Public Works Department, was appointed to "make contract drawings and specifications for the Carnegie Library Building". On completion of this stage of the project, the Building Committee, which comprised Messrs. J.C. Lewis, George Eversley, Thomas Huckerby and F. de la Bastide, awarded the tender to Mr. Henry Sabbath Adams for the sum of 2,300 pounds.

Three years later, in March 1916, the Borough Council took the responsibility of erecting the library building. In May of the same year the Ordinance (No. 15 of 1916) was proclaimed to establish the Carnegie Free Library. Following this, the first Management Committee was appointed in September 1918.

This committee comprised then, Mayor Hugh McLelland, Hon. J.D. Hobson, Hon. Sir Norman Lamont, Rev. F.G. Coffin, Messrs. C. Forbes Todd, T.M. Kelshall, L.A. Villain, R.M. Scott, Hon. Secretary and Beverly Murray. Then came the appointment of the first librarian, Mrs. V. St. Omer, in December 0f 1918. This was at the end of the First World War.

Interestingly enough, the library, after it's official opening in March 1919, also became the storehouse for more than books. A captured German machine-gun was housed in the building in September 1919.

To appreciate the intricate concrete work, the visitor should view the building from High Street. The main entrance is welcoming in design. At the top, carved in concrete is AD 1916.

Andrew Carnegie died in August 1919, but his contribution to San Fernando will continue to live on through the affable and efficient staff who works behind those brick walls.
 

Source: San Fernando - "An Historical Mile"
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