Bozeman Carnegie Library - Bozeman, MT
Posted by: T0SHEA
N 45° 40.808 W 111° 02.064
12T E 497320 N 5058509
One of 1,679 public libraries funded by Andrew Carnegie between 1886 and 1917, the Bozeman Carnegie Library was designed by renowned architect C.S. Haire and built in 1902-03 at a cost of $15,000.
Waymark Code: WMW54G
Location: Montana, United States
Date Posted: 07/10/2017
Views: 1
Serving the community as library until 1980, the building was taken over by the city and used as city offices when a new and larger library was built. Unable to afford the upkeep on a quickly deteriorating building, in the mid 1990s the city seriously considered tearing the building down to make room for a parking lot. However, the Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board stepped in, obtaining a grant for an assessment of the building's structural integrity. The building was deemed salvageable and was sold to lawyers Mike Cok and Mike Wheat who, in 1998, financed an extensive renovation.
Since the completion of the restoration in 1999, its new owners have opened the building to the public on numerous occasions for special events, such as Historic Preservation Week.
BOZEMAN CARNEGIE LIBRARY
Steel baron Andrew Carnegie viewed public libraries as a key agent of self improvement and donated roughly $41 million for the construction of 1,679 public libraries between 1886 and 1917. The Bozeman Classical Revival landmark, one of seventeen Carnegie libraries erected in Montana, was constructed to meet the needs of a growing population and elevate the moral character of the community. Small libraries had existed in Bozeman since 1872, but by 1900 the city's accommodations were woefully inadequate. To rectify the situation, librarian Bell Chrisman urged the city to seek Carnegie funding. On March 14, 1902, the philanthropist agreed to provide $15,000 for the building in return for "a suitable site" and the city's pledge of $1,500 yearly support. Despite local controversy, reform-minded citizens located the new facility directly across the street from the town's red light district in part as an incentive to improve those disreputable surroundings. To this end, architect C.S. Haire designed Bozeman's library to resemble an ancient temple with a symmetrical Greek cross plan. The elaborate main entrance features Roman Doric columns supporting a formidable triangular pediment. In the shadow of this impressive edifice, the red light district eventually disappeared. The structure served as the community library until 1980 and then was utilized as city offices. In 1998, the building underwent extensive restoration by owners Michael E. Wheat and Michael D. Cok.
From the plaque at the building
The librarian, Miss Bell Chrisman, heard about Andrew Carnegie's gifts
to communities around the country, earmarked for libraries. Great Falls,
Montana, had recently received such a gift, and she wrote there to obtain
information on how to apply. On September 5, 1901, she presented the
information to the city council, which authorized the library committee
to write to Mr. Carnegie. In answer to his query as to what support the
city could give to a library, the committee was able to reply that the
city had a library levy. The next letter from Mr. Carnegie, March 14
1902, stated that if the city would pledge $1,500 per year to support
the library and would provide a suitable site, he would provide
$15,000 for the building. The city council voted to raise the tax
levy to 1 mill to provide the necessary support, and a search began
for a suitable site.
In many ways the above is a typical story re-enacted in many towns
in the United States in that time period. Andrew Carnegie gave
$39,172,981 TO 1406 communities for library buildings during the
period from 1898 to 1919. From 1886 to 1896 he had given money to
build six libraries in various towns in Pennsylvania, but in the
second period he funded library buildings throughout the country.
In all 1679 Carnegie Library buildings were erected, in 1412 communities.
Two-thirds of the buildings cost less than $20,000. Seventeen
libraries were built in Montana with Carnegie money.
C. S. Haire of Helena was chosen as the architect. Born and educated
in Ohio, Haire came to Montana in 1887, settling first in Butte and
then in Helena. He designed many business blocks, homes, and public
buildings in the developing state. He designed the Carnegie Library
in Dillon which received its Carnegie grant January 22, 1901 and
the Parmly Billings Library in Billings which was constructed in
1901. Both of these buildings are listed on the National Register
Of Historic Places.
The dedication of the new Bozeman Carnegie Library was held at the
opera house in city hall on January 22, 1904, with speeches, musical
numbers, etc. followed by an open house in the new library building.
The fire department had claimed the former library space a few days
earlier, as soon as the books had been moved out.
From the NRHP Nomination Form
Street address: 35 North Bozeman Avenue Bozeman, MT United States 59715
County / Borough / Parish: Gallatin County
Year listed: 1979
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Social History, Architecture
Periods of significance: 1900-1924
Historic function: Education - Library
Current function: Education - Library
Privately owned?: yes
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 2: [Web Link]
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Hours of operation: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
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