The Library has the distinction of being the longest continuously operating library in the State of California. Sometime in the 1890s, the City of Napa approached local banker and philanthropist George Goodman and asked him to donate land for a public library.

Goodman agreed to donate the land but also offered to pay for the building itself.  He commissioned local architect Luther Turton to draw up the plans for what he conceived of as the town’s community center. This forward thinking was one of the hallmarks of George Goodman whose career was filled with prescient investing and generous philanthropy. The building cost $15,000. It was constructed using native Napa field stone, and features carefully carved raised grout, and a flat roof with castellated parapets along the roof line. The extraordinary ceiling upstairs is pressed tin, which was in vogue at the turn of the century.

The cornerstone was laid on May 2nd, 1901, where it still grounds the building on the northeast corner. The building’s dedication occasioned the largest gathering of people ever to occur in Napa at the time. 

On his passing, Mr. Goodman left the building to the city stipulating that if it was not used as a library it would revert back to his heirs. 

Upstairs, today’s Research Library was the city library, while a billiards room for the gentlemen and tea room for the ladies occupied the downstairs.  The marble stone engraving on the ceiling in the foyer says “God And My Mother.” It was placed here by George Goodman when he gave the library to the City of Napa.  This was the only sign he asked to be placed in the building. Today, the Goodman Library is home to Napa County Historical Society.