Orosi Branch Library
Also known as: Orosi-Cutler Branch Library
Why it's listed
Orosi Branch Library is a small wood-frame bungalow in an inverted T shape, set on a raised basement with a random stone foundation. Built in 1921 by Fred Hill, it follows the floor plan for the smallest building in a Carnegie leaflet of 1911 by James Bertram. The interior includes a former meeting room with a random stone fireplace and a book room with original wood bookcases. Orosi's library began in 1910 in rented rooms. The Orosi Improvement Club raised money for a lot in 1914, and a $3,000 Carnegie grant was obtained in 1917. World War I delayed construction until 1921, making it one of the last Carnegie grants used in California. Most Carnegie libraries were masonry, so a frame example is unusual. It is one of 48 of California's original 142 Carnegie libraries still serving as public libraries, and it remains on its original site, largely unaltered.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is one of the few wood-frame Carnegie libraries and one of the last built in California. It is also one of only 48 of the original 142 California Carnegie libraries still serving as public libraries. It has been in continuous use for 62 years and is a source of community pride.
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 83001247, listed August 25, 1983. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 12662 Ave. 416, Orosi |
|---|---|
| County | Tulare County |
| Listed | August 25, 1983 |
| Reference number | 83001247 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1900- |
| Architect / builder | Builder - Fred Hill; design based upon "Notes on Library Buildings," by James Bertram |
| Architectural style | Simple California bungalow |
| Areas of significance | Education, Social History |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in excellent condition, unaltered, on its original site, and occupied as a public library. |
| Acreage | 0.1 |
| Within district | Big Creek Hydroelectric System Historic District |
| Coordinates | 36.54498, -119.29046 (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 83001247.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q14683581
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.