National Register of Historic Places

Main Library

Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania
Listed
April 25, 1979
Type
Building
Period
Industrial
Ref No.
79002225

About this property

The Main Library, also known as the Erie Public Library, combines elements of the Beaux Arts Classicism and Second Renaissance Revival styles of architecture. Both were commonly used at the end of the nineteenth century to convey the importance of public buildings. The building features arched openings, a prominent cornice, swag and garland decorations, and a roofline balustrade. It is clad in Pompeian red brick. The original facade is dominated by a marble portico, which was removed and stored by previous owners. It was reassembled and conserved as part of the renovation, recapturing the library's original grandeur. The library rotunda is one of the most significant interior spaces in Erie and was meticulously restored as part of the renovation. Mahogany paneling and marble floors serve as a backdrop for a decorative paint scheme. Spectacular allegorical murals on either side of the coffered skylight reference literature, art, science, and poetry. They were completed by Elmer Ellsworth Garnsey, who also completed murals in the New York Stock Exchange Building and the Library of Congress.

Location

3 S. Perry St.
Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania
42.12895, -80.08366

Categories

ARCHITECTURE
National Register nomination ›
Sources

Property data from the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service (public domain).

Description adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Nearby Historic Sites

Erie Federal Courthouse and Post Office
Early Republic
0.1 mi
Adams, C.F., Building
Industrial
0.1 mi
Cashier's House
Industrial
0.1 mi
Old Customshouse
Industrial
0.1 mi
Boston Store
Industrial
0.1 mi

Questions about this property

When was Main Library listed on the National Register?

Main Library was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 25, 1979.

What type of historic resource is Main Library?

Main Library is classified as a building in the National Register of Historic Places.

What is the period of significance for Main Library?

The period of significance for Main Library is recorded as the industrial era.

Can I research the history near Main Library?

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