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Original Simi Library Building with green door and windows, 2021.
Original Simi Library Building, 2021. Credit: Craig Baker.

Ventura County Landmark No. 40: Original Simi Library Building

Historical Background

This quaint square one-room library building was built and added to the Ventura County library system after local citizens raised the money for the land in 1930. There had been numerous county branches here and there, using a spare room in a church or school, or even in a home, but this was the first purpose-built branch library building. It served the community until the early 1960s when a new library was dedicated on Church Street in the Community Center. It subsequently was the first Simi Valley Museum before Strathearn Historical Park was established in 1969. Originally located on Third Street near Los Angeles Avenue, the building was moved to Strathearn Historical Park in 1971. Designed by Sanford Rudolph; builders were Costello and Lane. (Other landmarks located at Strathearn Historical Park: No. 6, 41, 91 and 93.)

Additional Reading

Date Designated: May 1978

Location: Strathearn Historical Park, 137 Strathearn Place, Simi Valley

Photos:

Front view of Simi Library Building, 1978, with wooden door and steps.
Simi Library Building, 1978.
Front view of Simi Library Building with green door, circa 1980s.
Simi Library Building, circa 1980s.
Historical marker describing the Simi Library, 1930.
Building marker. Credit: Craig Baker.
Historical photo of the Simi Library Building entrance.
Building marker detail. Credit: Craig Baker.
Front view of Simi Library Building with green door and windows.
Simi Library Building. Credit: Strathearn Historical Park.

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