Coral Gables Branch Library, Public library branch in Coral Gables, Florida, US.
Coral Gables Branch Library is a public library branch located in Coral Gables, Florida, situated on Segovia Street and offering extensive book collections and materials for all ages. The facility includes approximately 36 public computers and provides access to nearly four million items through the Miami-Dade Public Library System.
The library began in November 1927 as a lending library in the Cathedral Room of La Puerta del Sol, set up by the Coral Gables Woman's Club under its president Don Peabody. Its first 300 books were obtained by writing to authors, and William Jennings Bryan donated 100 more from his private library. A Works Progress Administration building on Ponce de Leon Boulevard served as the library from 1937; the city took over management in 1953 and joined the Miami-Dade system in 1966. The present building opened on March 23, 1969.
The library grew out of the Coral Gables Woman's Club, which ran it from 1927 until the city took over in 1953. The club's 1950 deed on the Coral Rock Building at 1001 East Ponce de Leon Boulevard still stands, and the organization remains active. Inside, a 15x9-foot glazed ceramic tile mural made by Katherine (Kay) Pancoast in 1970 shows the city's landmarks with native flora and fauna.
The building is accessible from Segovia Street, where a parking lot with wireless internet coverage is available. Daily service begins at 9:30 AM, and visitors should confirm exact opening hours before arriving.
The 15-by-9-foot glazed ceramic tile mural by Katherine (Kay) Pancoast, made in 1970, hangs in the Margaret M. Beaton Room and shows the city's landmarks with native plants and animals. The building and the mural became Coral Gables Historic Landmarks on May 20, 2010.
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