Central Library-St Louis Public Library
1301 Olive Street
St Louis, MO 63103
314-241-2288
The Central Library is the Headquarters of the St. Louis Public Library system. It is a historic landmark and was built in 1901 with a gift from Andrew Carnegie that stipulated that the library be "free to the public." It also stipulated that several branches be built, as well. And six were built around the city! The architect for the design of the central library building was Cass Gilbert. He included stained glass windows and stenciled ceilings. The library originally began in 1865 as a "subscription" library and books could only be checked out by those who were members. It opened with 1500 books. Today the St. Louis Public Library system has over 4.6 million items at its central location and 15 branches.
Branches:
Baden
Barr
Buder
Cabanne
Carondelet
Carpenter
Central Express
Charing Cross
Divoll
Julia Davis
Kingshighway
Machacek
Marketplace
Schlafy
Walnut Park