Linn-Henley Library Receives Significant Building Award

The Alabama Architectural Foundation recently honored the Linn-Henley Research Library with their 2014 Significant Building Award. We are proud of this designation and are thrilled that such a distinguished group recognizes our beloved “Old Library.” I spoke with the current president of the Alabama Architectural Foundation, Mr. Jamie Aycock, and learned that the award is given annually to a public building that has been in service for at least 25 years and has had a significant impact on the community. Nominations are submitted by the 5 Alabama chapters of the American Institute of Architects and are then voted on by that group’s board of directors. I was thrilled to learn that this year’s vote was unanimous in favor of the Linn-Henley Library.

 Significant Building Award
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We are in good company. Previous recipients include the Rosenbaum House in Florence (Alabama’s only building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright), the 16th Street Baptist Church, and the Alabama Theatre. According to Mr. Aycock, who grew up in Jefferson County and who has many fond memories of the Library, the Linn-Henley building is, “one of those environments that can’t be replicated. There is nothing about any building that says 'library' any stronger than this one.” The award itself offers this eloquent description, “A living reminder of the past, the Linn-Henley Library continues its mission of service to our citizens, while occupying a sacred place in the community.” We extend our thanks to the Alabama Architectural Foundation for recognizing our lovely building.

M.B. Newbill
Southern History Department
Central Library