Site of Nevada's First Public Library

"(#245) The diversity at the Reno Riverwalk is tantalizing ... musicians, tourists, aspiring artists, and regular locals, an eclectic mix of humanity lining one of the best urbanized sections of stream in the United States. Reno is blessed to have such a healthy river! ... A lovely watercourse that ties together both its heart and its soul. Yet, sitting here beneath these massive shade trees, the sound of the roaring river and the rambunctious automobile both earn a synonomous caracature of downtown Reno. I begin to ponder about the city's future. Located so close to the Golden State, Reno runs the great risk of losing its long-lived, small-town charm ... and with it, its very identity. Many transplants make the move to Reno, interested in Reno's close-to-home, wild-by-nature conservancy, yet unknowingly bring with them the same suburban mindset that plagues their state today. "Necessary" shopping malls, intense modernization ... build and build, without regress. Nevada is different after all. We can only hope Reno, and places like Reno, stay Reno." -- September 2007

[245]       

South end of the Virginia Street Bridge -- Reno

Reno & Washoe County
  39.524880, -119.812370

Original Date Visited: 9/29/07
Signed: No

Street View

Here's what you'll see!


  • Marker 247 in downtown Reno
  • Marker 247 plaque
  • Both of these markers shared real estate before their disappearance in 2015

Exact Description:
In 1895, Washoe County District Attorney Frank H. Norcross, later a Chief Justice of the Nevada Supreme Court and a Federal Judge, began a drive to establish Nevada's first free public library in Reno. That year, he persuaded the Nevada Legislature to enact a law establishing Nevada's public libraries. Nevada's first public library building was erected on this site in 1904 with $15,000 donated by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie on land originally donated to the City of Reno by pioneer Myron C. Lake. It remained in service until 1930, when growth forced its relocation to the site where the Pioneer Theatre Auditorium now stands. The library was sold for $1 and demolished in 1931. In 1966 the library was relocated to a new building at Center and Liberty Streets, three blocks south of this site.

Hidden Marker 247 in downtown Reno.

Interstate 80 Roadtrip
 COVERED IN MY I-80 ROAD TRIP

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VIRGINIA & TRUCKEE RAILROAD RIGHT OF WAY

Related Links & Markers:

 - 245 -- Frederick Delongchamps 

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