Details for Potter County Library
Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5375004097
Data
| Marker Number | 4097 |
| Atlas Number | 5375004097 |
| Marker Title | Potter County Library |
| Index Entry | Potter County Library |
| Address | 519 South Taylor St. |
| City | Amarillo |
| County | Potter |
| UTM Zone | 14 |
| UTM Easting | 241811 |
| UTM Northing | 3899786 |
| Subject Codes | buildings; design and construction; women, women's history topics; Praire School (Archictectural style); libraries |
| Marker Year | 1997 |
| Recorded Texas Historic Landmark | Yes |
| Marker Location | 519 South Taylor Street, Amarillo |
| Private Property | No |
| Marker Condition | In Situ |
| Marker Size | 27" x 42" |
| Marker Text | The Potter County free library was organized in 1902 by twelve local women. Many citizens donated books, and held bazaars, candy sales, and other activities to raise money to purchase more books. Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Willis donated a lot and house for the first library building. As these accommodations were outgrown, the library moved to the old post office, the fire station, and to city hall. The Potter County commissioners court granted approval for a county-supported library in July 1921. This building was designed by Amarillo Architects J. Roy Smith and W.C. Townes, and was built in 1922 by the W.M. Rice construction company at a cost of $25,000. The basement of the library was used as a public lounge to meet the needs of women shoppers and their children, and tourists. The facility included a living room, lunch room, assembly hall and resting room, and was staffed by a matron. A significant local example of an institutional building of the 1920's, this structure exhibits the clean lines, horizontal emphasis, and geometric detailing typical of the prairie school style of architecture. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1996 |