George Washington Carver Library, Austin
historic place
The George Washington Carver Library in Austin, Travis County, marks a significant historic place. The building that houses it began as Austin's first library, opening in February 1926 in a downtown store. Within months, the collection moved to a structure built at Guadalupe and Ninth Street. In 1933, with a new central library completed, this original building was relocated to East Austin. This move established Austin's first branch library, specifically serving the Black community, and was initially known as the 'Colored Branch'. The frame structure was later brick veneered. In 1947, it was named the George Washington Carver Branch Library, honoring the Black educator. Hattie Henson directed this branch from 1933 to 1943. A historical marker recognizing its importance was erected in 1977. Today, the original building functions as the George Washington Carver Genealogy Center. This site is historically important as Austin's first branch library, created to serve the African-American community.