Carnegie Library
7830 County Road 39
Bayliss
Built 1917

In 1914 Bayliss benefited from the new California policy of establishing small library "stations" in rural areas, often in private homes. Bayliss residents, with the support of Glenn County, sought and received a $4,000 Carnegie grant.

The Bayliss Carnegie Library building was designed by William H. Weeks in the Classical Revival architectural style. It is unique among California Carnegies, located "at a crossroads" in a rural unincorporated community on Blue Gum - Bayliss Road (County Road 39 between Willows and Chico).

Among a few residences, a dairy farm, and a volunteer fire department, the small red-trimmed white stucco library identifies the community which in earlier years boasted a hotel, livery stable, country store and elementary school.

The building continues to operate as a branch of the Willows Public Library.

Source: Carnegie Libraries of California

A plaque mounted on the wall by the entrance reads:

Bayliss Library

This historic Carnegie Library was built to serve the small, rural population of the surrounding area.

It was dedicated on July 14, 1917, and has been in continuous use as a free public library since that date.

The Willows Chapter
Daughters of the American Revolution

Presented October 1, 1995

National Society
Daughters of the American Revolution

Mrs. Robert G. Herr, State Regent
California State Society, NSDAR

Some Carnegie Free Libraries in California

Some Other Carnegie Free Libraries in the West

The website Carnegie Libraries of California contains much information about these libraries.