On This Day, 130 Years Ago

Something Extraordinary Happened

On December 6, 1895, the Town of Berkeley Trustees (now the City Council) voted to establish a public library. A rented room and a starter collection of 2,800 volumes from the subscription-based Holmes Library seeded those early days. The demand for books and for a welcoming public space to gather and read grew so quickly that the collection soon outgrew its quarters, and a more permanent home became necessary.

In 1903, after two years of determined lobbying by local library philanthropist Rosa Morse Shattuck—whose letters from the town’s schoolchildren, along with her donation of land for the new building site, strengthened the case for expansion. The Town Trustees agreed to meet the conditions required by Andrew Carnegie for the resulting gift of $40,000, which funded the library building.

On February 22, 1905, Berkeley’s first library building, designed by architect John Galen Howard, opened its doors to the public. As we know, that lovely early space would eventually be replaced by larger facilities, and the library would grow to include four neighborhood branches and a tool lending library.

Today, we pause to remember the dedicated, enthusiastic champions of the library who came before us—those whose bold vision made it possible for us to enjoy what we have today: an exceptional collection of books, resources, and services that make Berkeley’s public libraries among the most heavily used in California.

Those early library lovers and town leaders recognized the value and wisdom of advancing and protecting public space. They were unapologetic in their mission to ensure a community service that would give free, unfettered access to information, knowledge, and entertainment. The story of the Berkeley Public Library continues as each of us does our part to keep that mission alive.

The Library Foundation is proud to be part of the ongoing story that helps keep our public library thriving and growing. Our most recent Biennial Report, Libraries Light the Way, highlights the many ways our supporters make a difference. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Library can test new ideas, expand literacy initiatives, upgrade technology, and make essential building improvements that go beyond the limits of tax-based funding.

If you share our vision for advancing the Berkeley Public Library and its mission, we hope you will consider including the Library Foundation in your estate plans. Legacy gifts grow the Foundation's Generation Fund for the Library's long-term benefit. Learn more here about making a planned gift or how to use the FreeWill tool to make your own will or a trust for free.

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