Of Minnesota's 66 original Carnegie libraries, 48 are still standing.

The first library in Park Rapids formed because of pressure from its citizens. In the town's early years, Park Rapids residents were eager to form literary and cultural societies. They hoped to create educational opportunities for children and adults alike. By the end of the nineteenth century, residents petitioned the city for a public library.

At the turn of the twentieth century, Park Rapids opened its first public library. It occupied the second floor of the Fire Department building at the corner of Main Avenue and Second Street. Members of the Ladies Library and Reading Club raised funds to purchase books and volunteered to staff the library.

In 1908, Park Rapids received a $5,000 grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie toward the construction of a new library building. To receive the grant, the town pledged to supply the land and commit to a regular tax to fund the purchase of books, building maintenance, and a librarian's salary.

Noted Park Rapids draftsman and contractor T. C. Myers designed the building plans and construction began in 1909. The one-story, classical revival building originally featured a stone or concrete-block exterior. The current stucco finish and decorative details at the corners of the building were added later.

This building served as the Park Rapids Public Library until 1994, when the library moved to its current location on First Street West. The original library was sold and converted into offices. In 2023 it was renovated for a new cultural use as the Giiwedinong Treaty Rights and Culture Center.

102 2nd Street West
Park Rapids, MN 56470

Open Site Location on Google Maps
46.921107673325395, -95.05888323209516