History
In 1997 the Cultural Affairs Department established The Eagle Rock Community Cultural Center (ERCCC). The mission of the ERCCC was to provide cultural events to the community, to serve as the hub of cultural exchange and the cornerstone of economic renewal through the development of a cultural corridor. Bylaws were adopted in December establishing a Board of Directors, Officers of the Board, Committees and membership.
On January 21, 1998 the new Board of Directors held a Formation Meeting outlining the criteria for Board and Community Membership. The Eagle Rock Community Cultural Association soon began doing business as Center for the Arts Eagle Rock.
Mrs. Blanche Gardiner, Librarian, and founder of the Eagle Rock Library, at her retirement.
The Old Carnegie Library
The Old Carnegie Library. A citizens committee including Blanche Gardiner, later the librarian, raised the funds for the building with the help of a grant from the Carnegie foundation. It was constructed in 1914 after a spirited debate over its location. The books were initially from the County of Los Angeles. A controversy developed and the County books were withdrawn. The library closed for a short time then reopened with books collected from Eagle Rock’s citizenry. Charles Lummis, Los Angeles’ first librarian and Southwest museum founder spoke at the reopening.
Library in 1927
By 1980 a new library was needed. A new more accessible facility was constructed on Merton Avenue. The facility boasted 12,500 square feet of space and could hold up to 72,800 volumes.
From library to Center for the Arts Eagle Rock
All images courtesy of Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society.