Shortly after the city of Oxnard incorporated in 1903 , city leaders applied to philanthropist Andrew Carnegie for funds to build a local library . In 1906 , Carnegie agreed to supply $ 10,000 to build the library ; he later increased his donation to $ 12,000 after shortages in supplies and labor due to the San Francisco earthquake caused all bids for the Oxnard Library to come in significantly over budget . Local donations and city funds covered the rest of the cost of the land , building , furnishings , and books , which totaled , according to local press , $ 20,918.11
San Francisco earthquake
1906 San Francisco earthquake
Oxnard Public Library