James Prendergast Library Association

Our Mission

The mission of the James Prendergast Library is to provide access to information resources, staff, facilities and services that respond to the pursuit of knowledge, education, lifelong learning opportunities and cultural enrichment by the people of the City of Jamestown and Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.

History Of The James Prendergast Library:

The James Prendergast Library was a gift to the city from Alexander Prendergast, the city founder's son and his wife, Mary. They commissioned the building in memory of their son, James Prendergast, who died in 1879 at the age of 31. The library was completed at a cost of $60,000 and was furnished with an art gallery at a cost of $45,000. It opened December 1, 1891 and contained 8,666 volumes.

The original building occupied an entire city block and was constructed by architect A.J. Warner of Rochester. The rounded arches, Medina sandstone exterior, turret on the SE corner and general air of ruggedness label it as Richardsonian Romanesque. Following Mary Prendergast's instructions, the stone steps leading to the building from Fifth Street were cut from a single stone "...to eliminate the havoc that frost works with masonry in this climate."

As library services and use increased, extensive alterations and additions were planned. These were completed in 1960 and the original building now houses the Art Gallery, offices, meeting rooms and storage space. The former Reading Room holds the permanent art collection and contains the original oak fittings and red tile fireplace.

In 1960, the library joined and became the major central library of the two-county regional Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System. In 1964, the library's public services were moved to a new addition, whose entrance is on Cherry Street. Much of the original space is occupied by the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System. Other major building additions were completed in 1968 and 1978.