The Carnegie Free Library is an impressive two-story structure centrally locat at 1301-7th Avenue in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. The Building, situated in a strategic corner lot, was designed in the neoclassical or Palladian tradition.
The exterior of the Building rests on a stone foundation finished in granite approximately 4-5 feet from ground level. The trim surround of the first-floor windows is also lined with terra-cotta moldings. The eastern facade of the Building, fronting the main street of Beaver Falls, boasts a large Grecian Portico supported by four columns. The window over the front and main entrance features a fan light design, handcrafted from wood and stained glass. A curtain of grass and shrubbery accents the South and East sides of the Building.
The roof of the library is reinforced with buttresses evenly distributed on its North, East, and South sides. Although it was replaced with asphalt shingles several years ago, the roof's contour and color were kept intact. An original skylight, numer ous chimneys, and several dormers adorning the main trusses of the Building remain in place and unchanged. Framed between the buttresses are a series of windows, including two with four panels in the foundation, an arched six-footer on the first floor with a fixed top frame, and two double-hung windows on the third floor.
The fact that they are original and single-paged results in the library experiencing considerable energy loss. The only other minor changes on the exterior were the replacement of a front door with one that met the building code and the enclosure of one or two windows and doors with matching brick. Another reason for these changes was to prevent heat loss and minimize the possibility of vandalism. There are two main entrances to the structure, each being accessed by stone risers that span well beyond the openings.
Similar to many Carnegie Libraries of the period, the Beaver Falls library is constructed in a rectangular shape with a basement, first floor, and second floor. The design of the basement conforms to what Carnegie envisioned as the ideal utilization of space for his libraries, even though, in those days, no architects specialized in library design. It houses the heating plant, restrooms, storage, workrooms, and lecture rooms.
Concerning the first floor, there was also very little, if any, deviation from his standard model. High ceilings are featured throughout the main floor. Its corridor is 18-20 wide and envelops a circulation desk, with circular wood columns and beams accenting the ceiling and surrounding areas.
It's a must-visit place in Beaver County, PA.
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