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Overview

This was the second branch library added to the San Francisco Public Library system, made possible by multiple donations from Andrew B. McCreery. Serving the Eureka Valley neighborhood, it opened on 10/25/1904 with a dedication attended by former Mayor James D. Phelan, a friend of McCreery's, Mayor Schmitz, and Preisdent of the Board of Library Trustees, Joseph O'Connor. Mayor Phelan, donated money to the library for the city's first branch in 1899. (See San Francisco Board of Supervisors, "Buildings for Branch Libraries," San Francisco Municipal Reports for the Fiscal Year 1902-1903, Ending June 30, 1903, [San Francisco: Commercial Publishing Company, 1904], p. 1088.) The McCreary Branch Library opened in 1904 and operated until 1962, when it was replaced by the SFPL's Eureka Valley Branch #2.

Building History

Andrew B. McCreery donated $25,000 in 1902 "...for the purpose of establishing a branch of the Free Public Library of San Francisco in such locality, at such time and in such manner as you, the Board of Supervisors and the Board of Library Trustees in your bestjudgement may determine." (See San Francisco Board of Supervisors, "Buildings for Branch Libraries," San Francisco Municipal Reports for the Fiscal Year 1902-1903, Ending June 30, 1903, [San Francisco: Commercial Publishing Company, 1904], p. 1090.) On two subsequent occasions, McCreery donated $10,000 and $7,500 more, making his total gift $42,500. Following his first gift, on 04/28/1902, the Board of Supervisors transferred a piece of property on the Mission Block #104, at the corner of 16th and Prosper Streets, from the School Department to the Board of Library Trustees. The Grand Parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden West fraternal organization presided at a cornerstone laying ceremony for the library on 09/19/1903.

The San Francisco Call described the building on 10/26/1904: "The new library is situated on Noe street, near Market, between Pond and Prosper streets. The building is surrounded by green lawns, made possible by the courtesy of the Park Commissioners. The entire cost exceeds $50,000. The library, which was planned by W. Curlett, consists of main and basement floors. The main floor ceiling is two stories in height and equipped with a skylight for proper lighting during the day. the basement provides a large periodical room and rooms for the transaction of library business." (See "City Receives Fine Library," San Francisco Call, vol. 96, no. 148, 10/26/1904, p. 14.) It consisted of pressed brick walls and stone trim, and cost a total of $43,000. It was originally slated for completion by 04/01/1904, but was delayed until 10/1904. (See San Francisco Board of Supervisors, "Buildings for Branch Libraries," San Francisco Municipal Reports for the Fiscal Year 1902-1903, Ending June 30, 1903, [San Francisco: Commercial Publishing Company, 1904], p. 1091.)

PCAD id: 20602