The Patterson Carnegie building, stucco over brick, and one story over a high raised basement, is an example of the Classical Revival in which the central element does not break the roof line but is rather a three-dimensional door frame which projects from the flat plane of the building.
In this case, the building is designed to be compatible with the general Spanish theme of the community’s architecture. Carved rafters support the overhanging eave of the low hipped roof.
The building is symmetrical, with round arched entrance door in the central element and three tall narrow windows in each wing. A steep flight of brick stairs leads almost directly from the sidewalk to the entrance, with a low wide slanting solid rail alongside the upper stairs, and a low level solid rail of brick flanking the lower stairs. A wrought iron rail, with twisted spindles, has been added along the edge of the stairs and down the center. In 1964-65 a rear entrance was added for the basement community room, mid interior non-structural changes
have been made to accommodate post-library use. These changes have not subtracted from the building’s essential integrity. Many years ago, the Las Palmas Avenue palms were replaced by
Modesto ash and those now tall trees shade the front of the lot; the rear yard is enclosed by a fence over which a number of smaller trees are visible. Most recently known as the “Olde Carnegie Library,” it is currently the Carnegie Professional Center.
