Las Vegas Public Library, 400 E. Mesquite – c. 1954
The library opened 6/1/52 on the southern edge of the former City Park, renamed Squires Park in 1954. Vernon Welborn, architect; built by J. A. Tiberti.
The park and this section of East Mesquite were replaced by development of the downtown freeway. The library remained, now adjacent to the realigned North 4th St. It was attached to the new City Hall in the 70s, today’s Zappo’s HQ. The downtown library was closed in ‘77 and relocated to Charleston Plaza Mall.
For many old-timers it may be excruciating when they find out that 50 trees in Squires Park will come down beginning Tuesday to make room for the Downtown Expressway. With the trees will go about half the municipal rose garden … The 50 trees were among the tallest in town and represented the essence of one of the city’s best public parks. - “Trees Bow to Progress in Downtown Las Vegas.” Review Journal, 7/21/68