New Historic Marker Commemorates North Branch Library

An official historical marker now welcomes readers to the North Branch Library, a pale Beaux-Arts-style branch that has served the Buena Vista area for 111 years. Longtime manager Cloreace Eppenger has presided over the collection for about a quarter of that stretch and spoke to media Friday about the building’s significance. 

“We don't have all the new gadgets that some branches have — in fact, we are a relic, a national historical landmark, which means you can change my insides but the outside must remain structurally the same,” Eppenger told media members crowding onto the Monroe Street sidewalk. “Through each transition, we held our head up high and proud, fulfilling our mission to stand tall and help others. We are known as the little Carnegie library branch, yet we truly have a big heart for all people.”

Andrew Carnegie’s philanthropy funded more than 2,000 libraries worldwide, from a fortune made in the steel industry. Two Carnegie-funded public libraries remain in Nashville, and this branch stands as the oldest among the city’s extensive system, which spreads out from the stately stone flagship downtown, completed in 2001. Fisk University maintains a third Carnegie library.

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The National Register of Historic Places added the building to its coveted list in 1980. For years, Eppenger has sought a historic marker to commemorate this link to the past. 

One of Eppenger’s library patrons also spoke at Friday's event. Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who lives nearby, commended the branch as a functioning symbol of public goods’ power. 

“ We're honoring a trusted community place that continues to garner support from residents,” said O’Connell. “In fact, since this July alone, readers have borrowed more than 9,800 books and materials. That's up 13 percent already compared to last fiscal year, and I will say my own daughter is one of them.” 

O’Connell also directed attention to renovations at the Richland Park Library recently funded by his administration. He vaunted libraries as critical “third spaces” where residents can partake in public life outside of school, work and home.