Carnegie Library, San Luis Obispo

The San Luis Obispo Carnegie Library is a remarkable example of a Carnegie library. Constructed in 1905 with funding from the Carnegie Foundation, the library served as the city's subscription library program, which had been in operation since 1894.

Renowned architect William H. Weeks, who designed 21 Carnegie libraries in California, crafted the design of the San Luis Obispo library in the distinctive Richardsonian Romanesque style. The library's architectural features include a tall hipped roof with two gabled wings, decorative elements such as gargoyles adorning the gable ends, and an entrance portico adorned with multiple round arches. The building's façade primarily consists of red brick with yellow sandstone trim, while the basement showcases a dark gray granite exterior.

Operating as a library until 1955, the building transitioned into a county historical museum the following year. Today, the library building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized for its architectural significance and its role in the community's history.

Currently, the Carnegie Library houses the History Center of San Luis Obispo County, formerly known as the San Luis Obispo County Historical Museum. The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture through changing exhibits. Additionally, it provides a research room for individuals interested in exploring the area's past.