Provo Library - Provo Utah
Academy Square Library
Provo City Library, Provo Utah
Provo City Library
550 N University Ave
Provo, UT 84601
(801) 852-6650 Provo City Library
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
550 N University Ave
Provo, UT 84601
(801) 852-6650 Provo City Library
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
- 97,500 Square Feet
- 3.64 Acres
- Remodel competed Sept 8,2001
- 322 Underground Parking Stalls
Provo City Library Reconstruction
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Reconstruction
After Brigham Young High School was closed in 1968, the buildings on Academy Square stood vacant for over 20 years. In February 1997 a $16 million library bond passed with 58% of the vote. The bond preserved the historic Brigham Young Academy building at 550 North University Avenue, owned by Provo City, from demolition. The Brigham Young Academy Foundation raised an additional $5.8 million in donations by June 30, 1997 for the renovation.
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Brigham Young Academy, Provo Utah
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Academy History
The Brigham Young Academy building opened its doors in 1892. The architect was Don Carlos Young (son of Brigham Young) who based the plans on the designs made by Karl G. Maeser, the Principal of the Academy. One of the largest school buildings in the Rocky Mountain region at the time, the Academy could accommodate 1,000 students. The Brigham Young Academy later became Brigham Young University. The building was constructed of brick and trimmed in Kayune stone. 168' deep, 188' wide, and 50' high. Over the entrance was the inscription "B. Y. Academy 1891" in gray sandstone. There were two floors, an attic and a basement. From the beginning the building had electric lights powered with electricity from A. O. Smoot's sawmill two blocks to the west; however, there were no inside toilets for the first 10 years. The building was heated in part from forced air over steam radiators and in part by coal stoves. |
First Brigham Young Academy Building after 1884 fire.
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Fire Destroys First Brigham Young Academy Building
William and Warren Dusenberry operated the Timpanogos Branch of the University of Deseret in Lewis Hall, a Two-story Brick building on the northeast corner of the intersection of 300 W Center. From 1870 to 1875, the school succeeded educationally but it failed financially. Brigham Young, who owned Lewis Hall, transferred the dead to the building to the Board of Trustees in 1875 and instructed them to create a new school named Brigham Young Academy. The Board complied and elected Warren Dusenberry as the new school's principal. |
Karl G Maeser replaced Dusenberry the next year and the teachers of the academy incorporated religion into their courses. Enrollment grew and workmen expanded the building in 1882 and 1883.
Then on the night of January 27, 1884, tragedy enveloped Lewis Hall. Two men walking past the building about 11:00 PM noticed a glow of flames inside. They broke into the building and dragged the school's pump organ out of harm's way. Other men sounded the alarm by ringing the meetinghouse bell or by running through the streets yelling, "Fire! It's the B.Y. Academy!"
A large crowd gathered around the academy and carried out some of its contents. Since Provo had no fire department, members of the crowd formed a bucket brigade from the millrace, a block to the east. The efforts of the brigade were futile, and the fire consumed the uninsured building.
Then on the night of January 27, 1884, tragedy enveloped Lewis Hall. Two men walking past the building about 11:00 PM noticed a glow of flames inside. They broke into the building and dragged the school's pump organ out of harm's way. Other men sounded the alarm by ringing the meetinghouse bell or by running through the streets yelling, "Fire! It's the B.Y. Academy!"
A large crowd gathered around the academy and carried out some of its contents. Since Provo had no fire department, members of the crowd formed a bucket brigade from the millrace, a block to the east. The efforts of the brigade were futile, and the fire consumed the uninsured building.
Gene Nelson Instrumental to Renovation
In October of 2022, Provo City recognized Gene Nelson's contributions in their Provo City newsletter:
"Twenty-three years ago, Gene Nelson brought his expertise in library construction and his love of children’s literature to Provo to oversee the restoration of the Brigham Young Academy. Originally constructed in 1891, the Brigham Young Academy was a gathering place for Provo residents. Under Gene’s guidance,the renovated Provo City Library at Academy Square continues to enrich our community by promoting endless educational opportunities in art, literacy, and community activities.
Gene was instrumental in making the Provo City Library a landmark and a community hub—with his love for serving Provo evident in the Library’s many innovations and varied offerings. His influence stretches from the elegant ballroom, the art gallery and the Basement Creative Lab to his imagination-inducing Story Room and popular events such as reading symposiums and the Valentine’s Ball. With his recent retirement, the attic exhibition space will be renamed as the Gene Nelson Attic in his honor, leaving a deserving and lasting legacy within the walls he so loved.
Of Gene’s many legacies, perhaps his greatest is his amazing staff who have followed his lead and who now remain entrusted to continue moving the Provo Library forward."
In October of 2022, Provo City recognized Gene Nelson's contributions in their Provo City newsletter:
"Twenty-three years ago, Gene Nelson brought his expertise in library construction and his love of children’s literature to Provo to oversee the restoration of the Brigham Young Academy. Originally constructed in 1891, the Brigham Young Academy was a gathering place for Provo residents. Under Gene’s guidance,the renovated Provo City Library at Academy Square continues to enrich our community by promoting endless educational opportunities in art, literacy, and community activities.
Gene was instrumental in making the Provo City Library a landmark and a community hub—with his love for serving Provo evident in the Library’s many innovations and varied offerings. His influence stretches from the elegant ballroom, the art gallery and the Basement Creative Lab to his imagination-inducing Story Room and popular events such as reading symposiums and the Valentine’s Ball. With his recent retirement, the attic exhibition space will be renamed as the Gene Nelson Attic in his honor, leaving a deserving and lasting legacy within the walls he so loved.
Of Gene’s many legacies, perhaps his greatest is his amazing staff who have followed his lead and who now remain entrusted to continue moving the Provo Library forward."
Call, Text, or Email Denise Martin to Buy or Sell a Provo Home
Denise Martin (801) 602-9552 | [email protected]
Denise Martin (801) 602-9552 | [email protected]
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