Founded in 1936 to foster an appreciation for art, music, literature and drama, the Society of the Four Arts retained the services of Swiss architect Maurice Fatio to design a suitable building. Fatio's elegantly restrained Italianate edifice now houses a library containing more than 40,000 volumes. The Esther B. O'Keeffe Gallery Building provides space for exhibits, films, lectures and concerts. Near the library, peaceful gardens feature a rose garden and water features.