Rosenberg Day In Galveston: Library Celebrates 150 Years!

Rosenberg Day In Galveston Celebrates Rosenberg Library 150 Years

The City of Galveston has been credited with a long list of “firsts” including Texas’ first public library. The Galveston Chamber of Commerce, yet another “first” organization in the Texas, founded a library for citizens.

Rosenberg Library was not established until 1904, but its roots can be traced back to this early predecessor. On September 13, 1870, the Galveston Chamber of Commerce agreed to establish and foster a mercantile library and reading room for anyone who could afford a subscription. At the time, that meant that mostly affluent citizens could afford the opportunity to visit the library. Over the years, funding for the library was an obstacle despite the popularity among locals.

Henry Rosenberg was a local businessman and philanthropist, and was among the original founders of Galveston’s mercantile library in 1870. He was a lover of books and was aware of the long struggle to finance and maintain a library for Galveston.

When Rosenberg died in 1893, he bequeathed more than $600,000 for the organization and endowment of a free public library for all residents of the island. Rosenberg Library officially opened its doors at 23rd Street and Sealy in June 1904.

Since 1870, the public library has been a community center for people in Galveston amd today more than 230,000 patrons visit Rosenberg Library each year. In addition to the outstanding collections the Library offers a computer lab, meeting spaces, an amazing and active Children’s Department, a research center, and a fantastic museum and archives.

Come celebrate this amazing island resource during Rosenberg Day!

View YesGalveston.com Event page for Rosenberg Day Festival