Kern Branch, Beale Memorial Library
Why it's listed
Known locally as the Baker Street Library, this building at 1400 Baker Street in East Bakersfield began as the Kern Branch of the Beale Memorial Library. Voters approved a $22,000 bond in 1912, architect O. L. Clark's design was accepted in 1913, and construction started that August. After delays the building was finished in May 1915 and opened that July. It is reinforced concrete with scored stucco that imitates stone, a central block with arched windows and pilasters, and a front portico with paired columns. The interior keeps its classical detailing, and the building has had only minor changes, such as parking paved on the grounds and added air conditioning equipment. It is the only surviving intact work in Kern County by Clark, whose other buildings, including the old county jail, were lost in the 1952 earthquakes. It has served as a library for 65 years and is regarded as a strong local example of Classical Revival design.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is significant under Criterion A for its role as a public library in the local community, and under Criterion C as a strong example of Classical Revival styling considered appropriate for early 20th century public buildings. It is the only intact work of architect O. L. Clark remaining in Kern County and retains an unusually high level of integrity.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 81000150, listed April 1, 1981. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 1400 Baker St., Bakersfield |
|---|---|
| County | Kern County |
| Listed | April 1, 1981 |
| Reference number | 81000150 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1900- |
| Architect / builder | O. L. Clark, Architect; Curry & Dolgar, Contractors |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival (with Neo-Classical and Beaux Arts elements) |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Still functions as a public library in its original capacity, occupied and in excellent condition with only minor alterations. |
| Acreage | 0.5 |
| Coordinates | 35.38353, -118.99098 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For a publicly owned building or structure, listing mainly matters when federal funds, permits or licences are involved: projects then go through Section 106 review so effects on the property are considered. Listing also strengthens applications for preservation grants and, for leased income-producing uses, can enable the federal rehabilitation tax credit.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 81000150.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q14682935
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.