Janesville Free Public Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Janesville Free Public Library
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The Janesville Free Public Library viewed from the southwest
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 102 W. 2nd Street, Janesville, Minnesota |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1912 |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical |
| NRHP reference No. | 82003065 |
| Designated | August 19, 1982 |
The Janesville Free Public Library is a special public library located in Janesville, Minnesota. It is housed in a beautiful old building that was built way back in 1912. This library is part of a bigger group called the Waseca-Le Sueur Regional Library System. It also connects to the Traverse des Sioux Library System, which helps libraries share resources.
The Janesville library building is important because of its history and design. In 1982, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as a significant historic site in the United States. It's a great example of the many libraries that were built with money from a famous person named Andrew Carnegie.
About the Janesville Library Building
The Janesville Free Public Library building first opened its doors in 1912. It was designed in a style called Neoclassical architecture. This style looks a bit like ancient Greek or Roman buildings. It often features tall columns and grand entrances.
The library has always been a key part of the Janesville community. It offers books, computers, and programs for people of all ages. It helps students with homework and provides a quiet place to read. Libraries like this are important learning centers for everyone.
What is a Carnegie Library?
The Janesville Free Public Library is known as a Carnegie library. This means it was built with money donated by Andrew Carnegie. He was a very rich businessman who lived from 1835 to 1919. Carnegie started out poor but became incredibly wealthy in the steel industry.
Carnegie believed strongly in the power of education. He thought that everyone should have access to books and learning. So, he decided to use his money to fund the building of public libraries. He helped build over 2,500 libraries around the world, including 65 in Minnesota!
To get a Carnegie grant, a town had to agree to:
- Provide the land for the library.
- Pay for the library's upkeep and staff each year.
- Make the library free for everyone to use.
This way, Carnegie helped communities build libraries that they would also support and value.
Why is it on the National Register of Historic Places?
The Janesville Free Public Library building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. Buildings are added to this list for many reasons, such as:
- Their unique architecture.
- Their connection to important events.
- Their link to famous people.
The Janesville library was recognized for two main reasons. First, it's a great example of a Carnegie library that is still well-preserved. It shows how these libraries looked and functioned. Second, its Neoclassical architecture is a good example of this style in Minnesota. Listing it helps protect the building and reminds us of its historical value.
