Postcards have traditionally been used as an advertising tool for businesses, tourist attractions, and other organizations. During the New Deal infrastructure boom of the 1930s, numerous postcards of both old and new civic buildings were published. So here is a selection of library postcards from various cities across the country.
Boston Public Library, McKim Building, Boston, MA Designed by Charles McKim of the noted American architectural firm of McKim, Mead, and White, the Boston Public Library draws its influence from European structures. It was one of the first major buildings constructed in the Beaux Arts style in the United States. The library was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986. |
Midtown Carnegie Branch Library, Springfield-Greene County Library, Springfield, MO Steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie designated much of his wealth to American educational institutions. Between 1883 and 1929, over 2500 Carnegie libraries were constructed across the world, with most in the United States. The Carnegie library in Springfield, Missouri, opened in 1905. Today, the structure continues to serve as a neighborhood library. |
Handley Regional Library, Winchester, VA Though a native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, coal magnate John Handley held a soft spot for the city of Winchester, Virginia. Upon his death in 1895, he willed $250,000 to the city for the construction of a library and schools. New York firm Barney and Chapman designed the Beaux Arts library, which opened in 1913. |
Holyoke Public Library, Holyoke, MA Dubbed “The People’s College,” Holyoke Public Library moved to is current location, a neoclassical structure designed by local architect James Clough, in 1902. At the building’s dedication ceremony, president and major benefactor William Whiting commented, “A library is as much a part of the intellectual life of a community as its schools, and should be supported generously as part of our educational system. Within these walls you will find authors devoted to literature, arts and science, and they are free to any who will ask. We can say to the citizens of Holyoke you have only to ask her and you will find knowledge to make your life useful and happy.” |
Check out the slideshow below for some more library postcards.