Aitkin Carnegie Library, 121 2nd Street NW, Aitkin, Minnesota
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Aitkin Carnegie Library | |
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| Address: | 121 2nd Street NW |
| City/locality- State/province |
Aitkin, Minnesota |
| County- State/province: |
Aitkin County, Minnesota |
| State/province: | Minnesota |
| Year built: | 1911 |
| Primary Style: | Classical Revival |
| Historic Function: | Library |
| Current Function: | Community Arts and Education Center |
| Architect or source of design: | Claude and Starck |
| Builder: | N.J. Holden |
| Material of Exterior Wall Covering: | Brick |
| Material of Roof: | Ceramic Tile |
| Material of Foundation: | Concrete |
| First Owner: | City of Aitkin |
| Notes: | Carnegie Grant: $6,500 |
(46.5333782° N, 93.7084534° W)
| National Register of Historic Places Information | |
| Certification date: | April 16, 1982 |
| Level of significance: | Local |
The Aitkin Carnegie Library is one of 65 public libraries built in Minnesota with funds from Andrew Carnegie and the Carnegie Corporation. Between 1899 and 1917, Carnegie, a wealthy industrialist and philanthropist contributed close to 1 million dollars towards library construction in Minnesota. This makes Minnesota the eighth largest recipient of Carnegie Library grants in the United States.
History
On April 23, 1908 the city of Aitkin secured $6,500 from Carnegie to build the Aitkin Carnegie Library. Plans were prepared by the Madison, Wisconsin-based architectural firm of Claude & Starck. Claude & Starck were known for their design of public libraries and together designed 25 libraries in Minnesota and Wisconsin, six of which were in Minnesota. The contractor who won the bid was local Aitkin resident, N.J Holden. The library was completed and opened in 1911.
While the Carnegie grant was used to construct the building, the Aitkin community had to provide a suitable site and were expected to tax themselves at the annual rate of 10% of the grant amount. This requirement imposed by Carnegie ensured a long-term commitment for the purchase of books, staff costs and maintenance of the library building. The land was donated by Mrs S.H. Hodgeden who owned a house opposite the library.
Located on a prominent corner site, the Aitkin Carnegie Library now functions as the Jacques Art Center - a community arts and education center.
Building Description
The Aitkin Carnegie Library is a one storey Classical Revival style building with a raised basement defined by a stone water table. Faced with buff-colored brick, the building rests on a concrete foundation and is covered with a low-pitched, hipped red tile roof. The symmetrical, temple-like facade is a reference to classical architecture and is a common characteristic of Carnegie Library design. The projecting entrance porch has two slightly recessed columns supporting a simple triangular pediment. The emphasis on the entrance space creates a grand opening to the interior of the building. At the time of construction the interior finish was predominantly Flemish oak and included the shelving, casings, picture molding, desk, tables, chairs and a large 'grandfather's clock'. The librarian’s desk was located in the center of the building and the first librarian to serve in this Carnegie library was Miss Esther Seavey. [1]
Memories and stories
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Notes
- ↑ The information provided in this entry is from the Aitken Carnegie Library file held at the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
