Tyrrell Historical Library, Public library branch in Beaumont, Texas.
The Tyrrell Historical Library is a public library branch in Beaumont, Texas, occupying a building erected in 1903 as the First Baptist Church. Its pointed arch windows, quatrefoils and original stained glass combine Richardsonian Romanesque and Victorian Gothic elements. A 2010 addition echoes the main building's style without copying it.
The building originally served as a Baptist church before Captain W.C. Tyrrell purchased it and donated it to Beaumont in 1923. It became the city's first public library when it opened in 1926.
The library is the center repository of extensive genealogical archives and maintains a hallmark Texana collection. Its name honors Captain W. C. Tyrrell, the philanthropist who bought the former church and gave it to Beaumont for its first public library.
Beaumont residents get free library cards, while visitors from outside the area can obtain access for a modest fee. It is helpful to check in advance what materials you want to research to make the most of your time.
The building merges Richardsonian Romanesque and Victorian Gothic architectural styles, which earned it recognition on the National Register of Historic Places. This architectural blend makes it a noted example of how historic structures can be preserved and repurposed.
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