About

The historic Carnegie Library is the official home of El Paso de Robles Area Historical Society, which assumed stewardship of the building in 1995. The Historical Society is the caretaker of the Carnegie for the City of Paso Robles, the building’s owner.

The mission of the El Paso de Robles Area Historical Society is to collect and preserve archive photographic, and other properties, objects, papers of historical interest and library materials related to the Paso Robles area and its citizens.

The Virginia Peterson Research Room, located on the lower level of the Carnegie Library, is the repository for these materials and is open to the public on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Historical Society volunteers are available to assist with research requests.

The main floor of the Carnegie Library showcases the society’s collections through exhibits and displays which celebrate the area’s unique history. Docents are on duty to greet visitors, answer their questions and share their knowledge of the area. A gift shop is located on the main floor and features an interesting mix of vintage and new items, books on local history and children’s educational toys and books.