This year marks the 120th anniversary of the Old Colorado City Library, a beloved Westside anchor that remains lively, beautiful and useful. It’s one of 1,670 Carnegie Libraries that were funded in the late 19th and early 20th century by grants from steel magnate Andrew Carnegie.
In 1903, Colorado City merchants learned that Carnegie would put up $10,000 to build a library, provided that city government would commit a site and $1,000 yearly to support library operations. The city complied with Carnegie’s terms, and the library opened Dec. 7, 1904.
It was a timely addition to Colorado City.
The city’s population had grown by thousands during the Cripple Creek boom of the 1890s, creating many young families that would benefit from a free library. Cripple Creek still mined gold, but Colorado City was struggling, so much so that it would be annexed by Colorado Springs in 1917.
The library may have symbolized the end of the rough and ready days, and the beginning of the Westside’s enduring neighborhood structure.
This building is wonderful – David Rasmussen
Carnegie wanted his libraries to inspire and delight. The architecture was formal but not regal, admitting citizens from hundreds of small cities through large and welcoming doorways a few steps above ground level. OCC’s library, designed by architect George Bryson, is very similar to dozens of Carnegie libraries across the country, including downtown’s original library building.
Yet, during its 120 years, it has been frequently updated and remodeled, most recently in 2021.
It’s simple to access. Located at 2418 W. Pikes Peak Ave. (just north of Bancroft Park), there’s a small free parking lot adjacent to the building. Rather than entering by the front steps, walk to the end of the lot and up the handicapped-accessible ramp.
You’ll pass a library-financed 2015 community-created tile mural that features more than a thousand tiles, many created just for the mural. Supervised by Steve Wood and Concrete Couch, it was the product of dozens of volunteers, from kids to octogenarians. It’s lighthearted and fun.
Entering the library by a side door, you find yourself bathed in light, thanks to dozens of windows that encircle the building. Books are shelved in open stacks, as are magazines, newspapers and periodicals. Browsing is encouraged, and library employees are ready to assist.
You’re likely to see Westside native David Rasmussen at the circular desk near the library’s main entrance. He’s worked for the Pikes Peak Library District for more than 20 years, all at OCC. He’s a cheerful guy, full of Westside stories and delighted with his job.
“The Carnegie library I work in is the same one where I checked out my first easy-reading books as a child,” he said in an earlier interview.
“Living in the neighborhood, on my walk to work each morning I see people who know me and wave and say hello. I only have to drive once or twice a week. It’s great.”
Rasmussen reminded a recent visitor that the thousands of books shelved in the OCC library are just the tip of the iceberg — all of the books in the Pikes Peak Library District can be accessed. That may not include those shelved at the Penrose Library downtown, since it will be closed for renovations during February and March.
He also said that browsers are welcome.
“This building is wonderful,” he said. “Just being in it makes you happy.”
In a digital age, are libraries still relevant and useful? Here’s an answer from the city of Manitou Springs’ website, regarding Manitou’s own Carnegie Library.
‘Absolutely! Libraries provide equity of technological access, safe spaces, learning, and research. Libraries are a beacon for free speech and a necessity in our community, and communities around the World.
“The equitable access for all includes, but not limited to, bridging the Digital Divide, availability of library materials (both electronic and physical), and study/meeting rooms. Our library is an important part of our children’s future.”
