George Washington Carver Branch Library
historical marker
The George Washington Carver Branch Library in Austin, Travis County, Texas, is marked by a historical marker erected in 1977 by the Texas Historical Commission. The building's history began in February 1926 as Austin's first public library, initially located at Ninth and Guadalupe Streets. In 1933, the original wood-frame structure was moved to Angelina Street. It became Austin's first branch library, established to serve the African American community, and was initially known as the "Colored Branch." In 1947, the library was renamed the George Washington Carver Branch Library, honoring the African American educator and scientist. Hattie Henson directed this first branch in the Austin library system from 1933 to 1943. This site holds historical importance as a pioneering library facility that served Austin's African American community for decades.