Northland Uncovered: Carnegie Library
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DULUTH - Before the Duluth Public Library made Superior Street its home 33 years ago, those interested in a book would have traveled to a smaller brown building on Second Street.
"In the 1890's around, the turn of the century, Andrew Carnegie was being very generous with his money and providing money to build libraries all across the country," historian Tony Dierckins from ZenithCity.com said.
With $75,000 of help from Mr. Carnegie, Duluth's library would move from a space it was outgrowing in the Temple Opera Building.
"I’m standing in the middle of the rotunda of the 1902 Duluth Public Library right under its wonderful dome,” Dierckins explained. “This is where the circulation desk originally stood, where you would come to check out your books, it was also the card catalogue here."
From the oculus of the dome to the neoclassical architecture surrounding it, the Duluth Public Library became an elaborate place for Duluthians to read and to relax.
"This was a community building built by and for the community," Dierckins said.
Once the books were removed in 1980, wood walls and other pieces were installed to transform the building into office spaces.
Today, more of the original terrazzo floor tiles is being uncovered and iconic pieces are being preserved, even those that are a little deceiving.
“What's fascinating about these columns is you look at them and say ‘oh look at that beautiful green marble’... these are actually concrete painted to appear as marble," Dierckins explained.
Building materials aside, they are all standing strong today as a reminder of a place built for a sprawling, changing community.
“This was the place to come to do a lot of research, it was a place for immigrants as well to learn English and go through the steps to become an American citizen,” Dierckins explained. “This was more than just a place to check out books this was a big part of the community for 80 years."
For more details on the history of the Carnegie Library, visit the “links” tab.