Historical Timeline
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1895:
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The first library in Colorado City was started by the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union.
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1896:
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Mrs. Lydia Woods donated $1,000 for the collection and the library was named for her.
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1901:
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The Woods Library moved into the Templeton building, which still stands on the corner of Colorado Avenue and 25th Street.
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1902:
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Mr. Beyle of the Colorado City Chamber of Commerce wrote to Andrew Carnegie about funding a library building.
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1903:
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The Woods Library became the Woods Free Library when it dropped membership fees.
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1903:
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In January, the Chamber received word from Mr. Carnegie that he would donate $10,000 for a building if the city provided the land and $1,000 a year for operating expenses. Several sites were proposed, including land near the shops at Midland and Bancroft school. Property was purchased from the Christian Church for $2,600.
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1903:
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George M. Bryson was named as the architect and a Carnegie Library Board was named. Work progressed on the building throughout 1904.
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1904:
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In November, the Carnegie Library Board turned control of the building over to the Woods Free Library, which moved its collection into the new building.
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1904:
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The Carnegie Library opened its doors to the public on December 7.
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1917:
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Colorado City was annexed by Colorado Springs, and the Carnegie Library and its contents were sold to the Colorado Springs Public Library Board of Directors for $1. It was named the West End Branch.
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| 1977:
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West End Branch was renamed the Old Colorado City Branch.
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1980:
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The building was remodeled.
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1982:
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The Carnegie Library was named a contributing building to the Old Colorado City Historic District.
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1992:
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The last major improvement to the building - a parking lot - was added to meet the needs of increased patron use.
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