Merced, CA — (December 2, 2024) An early morning fire broke out today at the historic Merced County library building, located at 1415 N Street. The blaze was discovered at around 6:30 a.m. Fire crews quickly responded and managed to contain the flames, but the extent of the damage has not yet been determined. 

Built in 1897, the Richardson Romanesque-style structure was originally Merced County’s first high school. The three-story, 13,182-square-foot building served the community’s educational needs until 1920, when the high school moved to a larger facility on G Street. In 1921, the Merced County Library took over the building, remodeling it to house its growing collection. 

By 1976, the library had outgrown the space and relocated, leaving the building vacant. In 1984, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its architectural and historical significance. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation. City and county officials are urging the public to stay clear of the area while crews assess the structure’s stability.

###