Beale Memorial Library, Bakersfield

Beale Memorial Library stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of General Edward F. Beale and his family's commitment to education and public service. Established at the dawn of the 20th century, the library owes its existence to the generous contributions of the Beale family, who donated the building, furnishings, and several collections to the city in memory of General Beale. This philanthropic gesture laid the foundation for a cherished institution that would serve as a beacon of knowledge and learning for generations to come.

Despite facing adversity in the form of the devastating earthquake of 1952, which left the original library building in ruins, the spirit of Beale Memorial Library endured. In 1988, the library found a new home in a state-of-the-art, 130,000-square-foot facility located on Truxtun Avenue. This modern building not only provided a fresh start for the library but also symbolized the resilience and determination of the Bakersfield community to preserve its cultural heritage and intellectual resources.

Today, Beale Memorial Library stands as Kern County's central research library, offering a wealth of resources to scholars, researchers, and avid readers alike. With approximately 300,000 items in its collection, including an extensive archive of local history and genealogy records, the library serves as a vital hub for those seeking to explore the rich tapestry of Kern County's past and present.