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A 1903 treasure lives on
The lasting legacy of Carnegie Libraries: A story of community and preservation
In the heart of Barnes County, North Dakota, a historic treasure stands as a testament to the power of knowledge and community effort—a 1903 Carnegie Library. This library, like many across the country, was born out of the vision of 19th-century industrialist Andrew Carnegie, who believed that free public libraries were essential tools for education and social mobility. Today, thanks to dedicated local advocates like Hilde van Gijssel and Anita Tulp, this century-old institution is not only surviving but thriving.
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A hidden gem rediscovered
Over the decades, changes were made to the Barnes County Carnegie Library, including covering up its beautiful dome in the 1960s or '70s. When Library Director Anita Tulp and her team began renovations, they uncovered something unexpected.
"The start of it was the leaky roof," Tulp says. "We really needed to fix that. Our architects, who love working on old buildings, were curious and started investigating. That’s when we saw what the dome looked like underneath. It was a hidden gem. So, we thought, ‘Why not bring it back?’"
This revelation led to a larger restoration effort, ensuring that the library could retain its historical integrity while remaining functional for modern visitors.
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A library built on determination
Hilde van Gijssel, the library's board president, recounts the library’s remarkable origin story. "In the late 1800s, a group of 20 women decided they needed more materials to study and learn," she explains. "They formed the Tuesday Club, a women's club dedicated to the idea of building a library. They started with just 10 cents left from their membership dues, which they used to fundraise."
After collecting $700, they sought financial assistance from Andrew Carnegie. However, being women at the turn of the 20th century, they couldn't get past his secretary. Undeterred, they enlisted the help of the North Dakota governor, who successfully secured $15,000 from Carnegie. The library officially opened on Oct. 5, 1903, and has since served as a cornerstone of the community.
Carnegie’s vision: Libraries for all
Andrew Carnegie’s library initiative, which spanned from 1883 to 1929, resulted in the construction of 2,509 libraries worldwide—nearly 1,700 in the United States alone. Of those, 13 were in North Dakota. His philosophy was simple: If a community demonstrated a commitment to maintaining a library, he would help fund its construction. These libraries weren’t just about books—they were investments in self-improvement, lifelong learning, and the future of communities.
Many of these libraries, including the one in Barnes County, continue to serve their original purpose, while others have been repurposed into museums, community centers, or office spaces. Of the Carnegie Libraries built in the U.S., around 800 are still active as libraries, proving that Carnegie’s vision of accessible knowledge remains relevant today.
In Barnes County, the Carnegie Library stands as a testament to the enduring power of education and community investment. With its historic restoration completed, it will continue serving generations to come—much like the cooperatives and local organizations that sustain and empower communities today.
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