Kern Branch, Beale Memorial Library


Kern Branch, Beale Memorial Library, also known as the Baker Street Library, is a library located at 1400 Baker St. in Bakersfield, California. The library was constructed from 1913 to 1915 and replaced Bakersfield's original library building. Architect O. L. Clark designed the building in the Classical Revival style; the library is the only surviving building designed by Clark in Bakersfield. The library is designed as a central block with two wings at the east and west ends. The library's main entrance is located on the east wing; the entrance is a portico supported by columns and topped with a pediment and a frieze reading "PUBLIC LIBRARY". The ornate interior decorations incorporate classical and Renaissance themes.
The library was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 1, 1981.