Recently, I set a goal to visit every Carnegie Library in the state of Minnesota. With my love for books, history, and travel – visiting Minnesota’s Carnegie libraries felt like a meaningful way to connect with my new home state. So far, I’ve been to six, and each one has a charm and story all its own.
Before I share more about my journey, I wanted to take a closer look at the man behind these libraries: Andrew Carnegie, whose generosity helped shape the public library system we know today.
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Who Was Andrew Carnegie?
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Andrew Carnegie was born in Scotland, in 1835, to a poor weaver’s family. When he was 13, his family immigrated to Pennsylvania. Young Andrew began working in a cotton factory to help support his family, earning just $1.20 a week.
Despite limited formal education, Carnegie had an intense desire to learn. A local man named Colonel James Anderson opened his personal library to boys on Saturday afternoons. This generosity had a big impact on Carnegie and sparked his lifelong belief that access to books could transform lives.
Carnegie went on to become one of the wealthiest men in the world through his steel empire, the Carnegie Steel Company, which he later sold to J.P. Morgan for $480 million in 1901. But what makes Carnegie truly remarkable is what he chose to do with his fortune…
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Carnegie’s Library Legacy
Andrew Carnegie believed in what he called the “Gospel of Wealth” — the idea that the rich have a moral duty to use their wealth to benefit society. His biggest cause became building public libraries around the world.
Between 1883 and 1929, Carnegie funded the construction of 2,509 libraries around the world, including 1,689 in the United States. His goal was to give communities the tools for self-improvement through free access to knowledge.
In Minnesota, 66 Carnegie libraries were built between 1899 and 1918. Forty eight of these buildings still stand today, over 100 years later! Some still serve as public libraries, while others have been transformed into museums, community centers, or city halls.
Each one carries a piece of history: a reminder of a time when books were precious, education was a privilege, and a Scottish immigrant’s generosity opened doors for millions.
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My Minnesota Carnegie Library Journey
So far, I’ve visited six Carnegie libraries in Minnesota. From small-town gems to city landmarks, every stop has made me appreciate this “quest” even more.
(Click here for the list I’ve been using to check off “Library Bucket list”)
Here’s a peek into the libraries I’ve visited:
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1. Stillwater Public Library
My journey began at the Stillwater Library. It was so stunning that I left thinking, I need to see them all!
- In 1901, Andrew Carnegie agreed to give $25,000 for a library building on condition that the city provide the land and commit to annual operating funds. Eventually, Carnegie’s total contribution reached $27,500 for the construction
- Still used as a library.
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2. Northfield Public Library
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- This library was built with a $10,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie and opened to the public in 1910.
- Though it started small, Northfield more than doubled the square footage of their library in 1985 and it’s now 15,000 square feet.
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3. Historic Duluth Public Library
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- One of 3 Duluth-Carnegie libraries.
- Originally, the city solicited funding in 1899, and Carnegie pledged $50,000 for the library. Later the city requested additional funds, and Carnegie provided a total of $75,000.
- Construction began in 1901; the cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1901 as part of Independence Day celebrations. The library officially opened on 1902.
- Now used for office space.
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4. Zumbrota Carnegie Library
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- The smallest Carnegie library in Minnesota.
- In 1906, local library trustees applied to Carnegie. Local lore says their first request got no reply, so they resubmitted it along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
- The Carnegie grant awarded was $6,500, and the building opened in 1908.
- The building served as the public library for 87 years, but is now a gift shop and community center.
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5. Riverview Branch Library (Saint Paul)
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- One of three Carnegie libraries built in Saint Paul, and it serves the West Side.
- It was built in 1916, designed by architect Charles A. Hausler (Saint Paul’s city architect).
- It was one of the last Carnegie-funded libraries built in the U.S.
- The library was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 for its local importance in architecture and education.
- The branch continues to function within the Saint Paul Public Library system.
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6. Hosmer Library (Minneapolis)
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- Carnegie donated $125,000 to Minneapolis Public Library to build four branch libraries. Hosmer was the last of the four libraries built in Minneapolis, costing $27,700.
- It opened in 1916.
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What’s next?
I’ve only just begun this literary road trip, and I can’t wait to continue exploring Minnesota’s Carnegie libraries. Each one contains its own charm and story to tell. Is there a Carnegie library in your town? Send me a picture or an invite—I’d love to add it to my list!
Want to read more about Minnesota’s Carnegie libraries? Click here!
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