| Begun in 1900 and completed in 1902, the Ricks Memorial Library, designed by architect Alfred Zucker (by then practicing in New York), is one of the earliest and most notable examples of Beaux Arts public architecture in the state. Substantially enlarged some years ago, it continues to serve as a public library. The collections of the Yazoo Library Association, which was founded in 1838, are housed in the building, which was donated to the Association by Mrs. Fannie Ricks in memory of her husband General B.S. Ricks. The library was individually listed on the National Register on 18 September 1975, from a nomination prepared by MDAH architectural historian William C. Allen. It was later included as element #37 in the Yazoo City Town Center Historic District, which was placed on the National Register on 16 April 1979, from a nomination prepared by MDAH architectural historian Jack Gold. It was designated a Mississippi Landmark on 15 December 1988. It is included in "Buildings of Mississippi" (2020) (p.87, YB30). |