Case Memorial-Seymour Library
Why it's listed
Seymour Library in Auburn, New York, is a small, square, one-story-fronted Beaux-Arts building of Flemish bond brick and limestone, set well back from Genesee Street behind a brick and granite wall with wrought-iron gates. Its facade carries the ornament: a modillion cornice, an in-antis portico, carved cartouches reading "Case Memorial," and windows with quoins, keystones and garlands. Inside, three floors hold reading, work and stack rooms, with a lobby of cast plaster detail. Willard Erastus Case, a trustee of the Seymour Library Association, offered in 1896 to buy the site and build a new library named for his parents, provided it stayed open to the public. After a competition, the New York firm of Carrère and Hastings was chosen, and the library opened in 1903. Beardsley and Beardsley added two rear extensions in 1972. The building keeps its original floor plan and most of its furnishings, and it remains Auburn's only library.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is architecturally significant as a Beaux-Arts design by the noted New York firm of Carrère and Hastings. It is historically significant as an example of turn-of-the-century philanthropy to establish public libraries. It was given by Willard Erastus Case in memory of his parents for the Seymour Library Association.
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 80002594, listed May 6, 1980. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 176 Genesee St., Auburn |
|---|---|
| County | Cayuga County |
| Listed | May 6, 1980 |
| Reference number | 80002594 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1900- |
| Architect / builder | Carrere & Hastings, original; Beardsley & Beardsley, 1972 |
| Architectural style | Beaux-Arts |
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Occupied and in use as a library; described as in excellent condition and impeccably maintained, with 1972 rear additions and a gate and fence restored in 1978. |
| Acreage | 0.7 |
| Coordinates | 42.92885, -76.57137 (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 80002594.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5048317
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.