Jefferson Market Library

Architect Frederick Clark Withers designed this quasi High Victorian Gothic building in 1887 when the city opened it as a courthouse that held the nation's first night court. The courthouse continued to issue judgment for the next six decades until it finally closed in 1945. During the 1950s, the city nearly tore it down, however in 1961 with the aid of community activists, the building was transformed into the present library. The National Register of Historic Places added it to its list in 1972 and declared it a National Historical Landmark five years later. If you don't have a library card, you can still enter and if you have some extra time, don't forget to check out the Jefferson Market Garden right behind the building.