At this location prior to the construction of this building, there was the Commercial Hotel which was a wood-frame building.  In 1939, this old building was demolished and replaced with a new brick building.  The hotel was sold in 1952 and new management changed its name to the La Salle Hotel.  Many dignitaries visited the La Salle Hotel, including Academy Award winner, Gregory Peck, while visiting Monroeville preparing for his role in the movie, “To Kill A Mockingbird”.  This building was later used as a restaurant.

In 1979, the building was purchased by Dwight Harrigan, who sold it to the Monroe County Library Board in 1981.  The building appraised at $229,000.  The library raised $125,000, and Mr. Harrigan donated the remaining $104,000.  This building has been the home of the Monroe County Public Library since 1984.  It is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage and is included in the Monroeville Downtown Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The Monroe County Public Library is located at 121 Pineville Road which is near the downtown courthouse square at Monroeville, AL (GPS coordinates N31.528215,W87.322984).

Source:  Monroeville Walking Tour, prepared by the Monroeville/Monroe County Chamber of Commerce

Photo courtesy Rural Southwest Alabama