At this location prior to the construction of this building, there was the Commercial Hotel which was a wood-frame building. In 1939, this old building was demolished and replaced with a new brick building. The hotel was sold in 1952 and new management changed its name to the La Salle Hotel. During this period, many dignitaries visited the La Salle, including actor Gregory Peck, who visited to prepare for his role in the movie ” To Kill A Mockingbird”. The La Salle was also a favorite stop for members of the big dance bands who came to Monroeville to play at the Monroeville Community House for the Monroeville Cotillion Club. This building was later used as a restaurant. In 1979, the building was purchased by Dwight Harrigan, who sold it to the Monroe County Public Library Board in 1981 for the appraised price of $229,000. The Library raised $125,000 and the remaining $104,000 was donated by Mr. Harrigan. This building has been the home of the Monroe County Public Library since 1984. It is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.
The Monroe County Public Library is located at 121 Pineville Road which is near the downtown courthouse square at Monroeville, AL (GPS coordinates 31.528196, -87.322914).
Source: Monroeville Walking Tour, prepared by the Monroeville/Monroe County Chamber of Commerce