The story
The Albertson Public Library stood here first. In May 1964 it was emptied and moved to a temporary site at 905 North Orange Avenue, and in September 1964 the old building was demolished. Construction of the new library began in October 1964.
In May 1965 it was decided that the library would be renamed the Orlando Public Library. The architect was John M. Johansen, and the building is described as brutalist. An Orlando Evening Star editorial put the cost at $1.7 million. It was dedicated on Sunday, August 7, 1966, at 2 p.m., when Mayor Robert S. Carr cut the ribbon. The library opened for business the next Monday morning. Director Clara Wendel led a staff of 100 full- and part-time workers, and the basement had an auditorium with a retractable movie screen seating 200.
What's There Now
Not verified from the pages opened; the main library is understood to remain at this address but that was not confirmed.
Everything that was here
- 1966–present · still open
Orlando Public Library (1966 main library) / Albertson Public LibraryOther
A $1.7 million brutalist library by John M. Johansen, built on the site of the old Albertson Public Library demolished in 1964.
See the map in 1967 → - until 1964
Albertson Public LibraryOther
The earlier main library, emptied in May 1964 and demolished that September to make room for the 1966 building.
See the map in 1964 →
Did you know?
Nearby history
Walt Disney Amphitheater
Old Orange County Courthouse (Orange County Regional History Center)
Rogers, Martyn & Company
Angebilt Hotel
Lucerne Theatre
Sapphire Supper Club (now The Social)
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