Carnegie Building

The Carnegie Building in Lawrence, Kansas, traces its origins to 1904, when a $27,000 grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie funded its construction as the city's public library. A PWA-funded addition followed in 1937, and the building served as Lawrence's public library until 1972. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 as the Old City Library, the same year the Lawrence Arts Center moved in. After a renovation by the Lawrence Parks, Recreation and Culture Department from 2009 to 2010, it reopened for public events in 2011. Today the building offers rental space for receptions, gatherings, and private events. The Entire Facility spans 30 by 71 feet and accommodates up to 150 seated or 200 standing guests. The Heritage Room — which opens to the East and West Galleries, each measuring 26 by 23 feet — seats up to 32 per gallery. The Heritage Room features WiFi, a projector, AV system, and a kitchenette with a full-sized refrigerator. Original tile flooring in the Heritage Room reflects the footprint of the building's historic library stacks.