Libraries Sites

Scottsbluff's historic former Carnegie Library—now the West Nebraska Arts Center—received an addition constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1936. "The 62-foot addition, built in 1936 by the W.P.A., was designed by architect O. J. Hehnke of Scottsbluff. The addition maintains the original material, parapet, cornice, basement, and window lines." The addition projected from the east end of the building.

"The first West Portal Branch Library was built on a parcel of land which had been transferred from the Board of Education to the San Francisco Public Library in February of 1936. The Branch was opened to the public on May 2, 1936. Just three years later, on May 8, 1939, the Branch was re-opened in a new building designed by architect Frederick H. Meyer and constructed by the Works Progress Administration for a cost of $109,090. West Portal Branch was designed in a Mediterranean style with colorful red, ceramic roof tiles. Inside, delicate paintings grace the ceiling beams." (sfpl.org)

A WPA-FAP stencil from 1939 decorating the children's and main reading rooms.

Funds provided by the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) enabled construction of a library addition to the old Wilbur Watts High School in Burlington, New Jersey, since demolished.

This is a one-story tan brick building with 6-over-6 double hung windows. The main entrance has four concrete steps leading to double doors, under a flat metal awning. Above the awning is a divided transom. The entrance has a large concrete block surround with a raised pediment. On the surround is engraved "Will Rogers Library". The building is located within Gazebo Park, also constructed by the WPA. A low stone wall surrounds this park and building. On the left front corner of the building are two granite blocks reading: "W.S. Key, Administrator / Morton R. Harrison, Director" and "Works Progress Administration Project...

Battle Creek, Michigan received "a $25,000 improvement project for the Willard library building ... financed by the schools and the PWA." The P.W.A. supplied an $11,700 grant for the project, whose total cost was $25,850. Work occurred between Sept. 1938 and Jul. 1939. PWA Docket No. MI 1411

The Williamsport Memorial Library was built with the assistance of the WPA in 1936-1937. The library is a memorial to 14 Williamsport High School students who lost their lives in 1935, when the bus they were riding in was hit by a train.

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) provided funds and labor for work on what is now known as the Winklepleck Memorial Library in Odon, Indiana.

The old Winston County Library was the first public libary in Winston County, Mississippi. The Colonial Revival, 1-story building is currently in use as a Girl Scout Hut. "The building is eligible as an intact example of community facilities constructed under the auspices of federal public works programs of the 1930s" (Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Historic Resources Inventory database). MDAH indicates the library was built using WPA funds, with Winston County, the City of Louisville, and individuals contributing to the cost of the building.