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The library stands in stark contrast to the pervasive 1930s Great Depression–era modernistic character of much of the city’s institutional and commercial buildings. A stimulating French mode is rendered here by Dallas architect Marble as a sprawling Norman cottage complete with an octagonal turret and multiple eave windows with hipped dormers. The library was built as a joint project of two federal agencies: the PWA, which contributed funding, and the WPA, which provided labor. The library has a highly visible location on the southern corner of City Park.