Carnegie Library Stonework A preliminary assessment of the current location and condition of the façade and stonework from the old Carnegie Library. Conducted Tuesday April 22, 2014, by Maureen Kelly, Central Librarian; Kelly Cornwell, Special Collections Manager and John Wright, Special Collections Librarian, with Joe Peery, East Atlanta Neighborhood Association and Joel Slaton, Shadetree Enterprises.

Changes to the façade 1950 renovation: window caps removed from window bases, disposition of window caps unknown windows over main entrance replaced with stonework with a base piece with the word “Library.” 1966 renovation: No significant changes to building façade Carnegie Library Annual Report, 1901 Courtesy of Georgia State University, for informational purposes only

Demolition of the Carnegie Library Atlanta’s Carnegie Library opened in 1902 demolished in 1977 to make way for current Marcel Breuer-designed facility. Courtesy of Atlanta History Center, for informational purposes only

Where did the stonework go? Architect Henri Jova and a group of concerned Atlanta citizens arranged to have much of the stonework moved to the grounds of the Atlanta Prison Farm (closed in 1995).

What was saved? Roof edges Building dedication “Bibliostones” (seven) Arches Columns Stone bases Image courtesy of Library of Congress

What happened to the stonework? Library stonework was used to build the Carnegie Education Pavilion.

The Carnegie Education Pavilion Also known as the Carnegie Monument. Located at the intersection of Peachtree and Harris Streets Commissioned in 1996 by the Corporation for Olympic Development in Atlanta. Designed by architect Henri Jova. Completed in 1997 Serves as a monument to higher education in Atlanta, seals of nine area colleges and universities are embedded in the floor of the pavilion.

The Carnegie Education Pavilion Constructed from parts of the exterior facade of the Carnegie Library. The monument inscription reads: “Erected and Dedicated to the Advancement of Learning." Features four of the seven bibliostones: Carnegie, Dante, Milton and Aesop.

What is left at the Prison Farm? Stonework pieces remain in three areas of the old prison farm

Area 1 Area marked as “bibliostones” on the map Scrollwork Lettering Stacked and buried piecesPoe and Homer bibliostones

Area 1 Some pieces here are in an open field, others in light brush. They were likely staged and considered for use in the Carnegie Pavilion.

Area 2 Area just to the east of the “bibliostones.” More lettering Roof cap pieces Assorted shapes And sizes

Area 2 Some pieces staged and sorted for inclusion in the Carnegie Pavilion. Other pieces remain in piles and possibly buried.

Area 3 This area is the most accessible. Contains stonework selected but not used for the Carnegie Pavilion. Third remaining bibliostone Some stonework moved to block vehicles Pieces numbered left from Carnegie PavilionSome pieces in light underbrush

Area 3 Stonework in good condition and in light underbrush

Next steps Another visit to the sites to record GPS locations. – Joe Peery, East Atlanta Neighborhood Association, is eager to assist with this and other activities moving forward. This should be done soon to allow ample time for planning and before the undergrowth becomes too thick. Conduct a detailed assessment of the remaining stonework. Including removal of debris and possible excavation of buried stones. – The assessment could be done by college archaeology, architecture, engineering or historic preservation students from Georgia State or Georgia Tech. Late fall 2014 to fit fall class schedules and after underbrush has died back. Determine use/need for stonework. – Can pieces be used in AFPLS new construction or remodeling projects. Locate and arrange a more accessible location for storage. – Joel Slaton, Shadetree Enterprises, has recommended The Atlanta Preservation Center. Early discussions should be held soon to allow adequate planning time for all parties. Move stonework to secured location.

Issues The farm is located in DeKalb County but owned by the City of Atlanta. City of Atlanta approval for any detailed assessment or removal of stonework will need obtained. There have been discussions between the City of Atlanta and DeKalb County to create a park on the old Prison Farm grounds. There is also the potential sale and development of the old Atlanta Prison Farm. Should the land be developed or sold access to the remaining stonework will likely be lost.