Local libraries are often the cornerstone of their communities. In addition to access to tons of reading material, libraries offer free educational access to everyone, provide a space for language learning, and create resources for people looking for jobs. Libraries connect a community and make it healthier, pooling resources into one spot to make access to education, job training, and more available in one place. Your library card becomes the key to so many different things.
Our very own local library boasts a storied history. The library has served the community for more than a century, so it’s no wonder the Carnegie Regional Library is still a pillar of our area today. Curious to know how everyone’s favorite library got its start? Let Rydell Honda of Grand Forks take you on a trip back in time to learn more about the amazing Carnegie Regional Library — and why we love this landmark spot!
The History of the Carnegie Regional Library in North Dakota
First things first: Exactly what is a “Carnegie” library? Carnegie libraries were built using money donated by Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American businessman and philanthropist. Between 1883 and 1929, more than 2,500 Carnegie libraries were constructed, with over 1,600 built in the United States alone. Carnegie libraries were also built in those years across the globe, including in places like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Serbia, France, and Fiji, to name only a few places. All that to say, our own library is part of a grand tradition.
The early 20th century marked a busy period in terms of library building in North Dakota, with 13 Carnegie libraries constructed between the years 1901 and 1916. The Carnegie Foundation required three key things back then in order to give funding to an area:
- An area needed a library.
- The location needed to be secured with annual funding.
- That funding needed to equal the amount of the grant.
Grafton citizens wrote a letter to ask for a grant in March of 1902. In the letter, they requested a grant that would not exceed $10,000 for their library structure. Then, Grafton’s citizens started a campaign, ultimately raising $1,240. Construction began soon after, and the library opened for the first time on Jan. 28, 1904.
The Grafton Branch — North Dakota’s First Library!
The amazing history of libraries in Grafton actually dates back even further than January of 1904. In fact, in addition to being the first city in North Dakota to have a Carnegie library, Grafton was the first place in the state to create a free public library and reading room. The public library and reading room were established way back in 1896.
That’s not the last of Grafton’s list of library firsts, though. Grafton was also the first place to combine a bookmobile library’s services with a city library in order to form a multi-county and multi-city library region. Grafton’s Carnegie Regional Library can boast yet another first: It was the first library in North Dakota to receive Department of Defense funds during the ballistic missile years.
The Carnegie Regional Library Continues To Grow
The Carnegie Regional Library received a grant from the federal government and the Oscar Monson estate, which allowed the library to start working on adding to the library in 1970. Throughout the years since the library has changed, but the Carnegie Regional Library maintains that feeling of home it has always provided. Since its start more than 100 years ago, our library has offered a place for reading, education, and more.
Current Offerings at the Library
So, what can you find when you visit the Carnegie Regional Library today? Get your library card out to enjoy the range of services the local library provides.
You can access public computers at the library as well as services for printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. Need to get something laminated? You can do that here, too. This library offers a notary public, making that process very convenient for locals. The library also offers proctoring services. You can even find genealogy services here. Our library provides a one-stop shop for checking items off your to-do list, so if you don’t yet have a library card, now is the time to get one!
The Carnegie Regional Library also offers access to online services that open up a world of opportunities to library card holders, all from the comfort of home. Take Mango Languages, for example. You can sign into the service via the Carnegie Regional Library site, then start learning that language you’ve always dreamed of speaking.
The learning app gives you various exercises that help you master vocabulary and grammar skills along with cultural notes to create context and deepen your understanding. It’s a great way to brush up on skills you learned in school or start learning a new language, and the Carnegie Regional Library makes it possible for you to get started with the service.
Of course, you’re not alone if the first thing you think of when you hear the word “library” is books. The Carnegie Regional Library has never lost sight of that central mission. Today, the course catalog boasts a wide range of titles. You’ll find plenty of popular books as well as young adult, early and middle grade, and children’s illustrated books available. In other words, there’s something for the whole family at the Carnegie Regional Library.
If you didn’t already love the Carnegie Regional Library, we hope we’ve inspired you to check out this amazing local resource. Whether you’re looking to borrow books or TV shows, tap into a variety of online resources, or use the in-person facilities, the Carnegie Regional Library makes it easy.
Contact Rydell Honda of Grand Forks
Do you have a favorite service the library offers that we didn’t mention? Or maybe you’d like to share how the Carnegie Regional Library helped you or someone in your family? Drop us a line and let us know! We’d love to add even more reasons to love the Carnegie Regional Library to this list.
Connect with us
