The Calgary Women's Library Society was founded in 1906 with the tasks of encouraging the study of literature and establishing a public library in Calgary. U.S. steel industrialist Andrew Carnegie provided $50,000 towards the construction of the facility, as well as funding 2500 other public libraries throughout North America. The library, designed by Boston architects McLean & Wright, features the Neo-Classical style. Built of local Paskapoo sandstone and worked by Scottish masons, a great deal of attention was spent on details and craftsmanship. The entrance is flanked by Ionic columns and crowned with an elaborately carved pediment. A marble staircase, mahogany trim and molded plaster ceilings grace the interior. Throughout the years the library has been a cultural centre for Calgary housing the Natural History Society, the Calgary Arts Association and the University of Calgary from 1912-1914. The building served as Calgary's Central Library until 1963 and now serves as a branch library. In 1976 Alberta declared this site a Provincial Historic Resource and a massive restoration followed in 1977.