History of the Old Library Restaurant

The historic building housing the Old Library Restaurant is one of Olean's most beautiful and treasured landmarks. It owes its existence to various public-spirited citizens who over the decades, contributed to construction and preservation of this handsome structure.

First among these was Mr. George V. Forman, a wealthy lawyer and oilman, who in 1889 donated to the Library Association the site upon which the building now stands. At that time, a house containing Mr. Forman's law offices stood at this address - 116 South Union Street. This structure soon became known as the Forman Library and continued in that capacity until April 14, 1909, when it was sold for $560 to a Mr. F.V.R. Stillman. As was then the practice, the building was carefully dismantled and subsequently used in the construction of local homes. In fact, several of these dwellings are still standing.

Mr. W.H. Mandeville, Mayor of Olean and President of the Olean Library Association, was a very dedicated and influential man and was engaged in providing a new building for the library. He persuaded philanthropist Andrew Carnegie to donate money for the project. When Edward L. Tilton of New York City, Mr. Carnegies' personal architect, unveiled plans for the grandest building Olean had seen, the promised donation of $25,000 was raised to $40,000.

Construction began promptly on April 28, 1909 and on May 18, 1910, the Carnegie Building officially opened as home to the Olean Public Library. The library remained in this building until 1974, benefiting from the generosity of various citizens who contributed money for furnishings, some of which remain in the restaurant today.

In 1974, the library found it necessary to move to more spacious quarters, and the Carnegie Building was occupied by the Olean Historical Society and the Department of the Aging from 1974-1979.

In 1982, the Olean Board of Education sold the property to Louis Marra. This saved the building from probable demolition and made possible the opening of the Old Library Restaurant.

Public Library

There were no structural changes made to the building of the Old Library during the seven months of renovation to the interior. When a $200,000 kitchen was added to the rear of the building, matching bricks were hand selected from the same Pennsylvania brickyard that furnished bricks for the original building. The new restaurant now has an elevator for handicapped guests and a mezzanine for diners which overlooks the main floor. The Marra family have carefully preserved the handsome features that exemplify the Carnegie Building's classic architecture; the rotunda, the bronze plaque of Mr. Carnegie and the marble frieze extending through the foyer. The Thorwaldsen frieze depicting Alexander's triumphal entry into Babylon is of special aesthetic interest.

Many of the restaurant's furnishings and antiques were purchased by Mr. Marra at an auction following the removal of the public library. All of these pieces have been restored and reconditioned. Furthermore, the Marras have added many antiques from local estates.

The valances on the north wall of the main dining room were purchased from the John Jewell estate in Olean. The icebox in the main lobby originally stood in Dieteman's Soda Fountain in Allegany, NY, circa 1903. The Brunswick dome over the icebox once hung in a Renova, Pennsylvania home. Perhaps the most striking specimen, however, is the long bar which once stood in Chicago's famous Cattleman's Restaurant, frequented by notorious figures of the 1920's and 30's. In keeping with the history of the building, the Marras have filled many of the bookshelves with fine editions purchased from Friends of the Library.

The Old Library Restaurant now seats 150 diners. Banquet facilities for 300 are available on the second floor, as well as private meeting rooms.

The building of the Old Library Restaurant was recognized by the State Registration of Historic Places on May 21, 1985, and on July 11, 1985 the Old Library Restaurant became listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Susan and Joe Marra are proud custodians of this public treasure and hope to provide you with the finest, most enjoyable dining experience.

Welcome to the Old Library!

The Old Library also offers you the finest Wine List in the area. With over 550 wines to choose from, the Marras have created a unique selection of tasteful wines brought to you from every major wine growing region in the world. The Old Library Restaurant has received The Award of Excellence from The Wine Spectator, for its fine selection of wines.