Madison Carnegie Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Madison Carnegie Library
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The Madison Public Library's original entrance
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | Madison, Minnesota |
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| Built | 1905 |
| Architect | Ralph D. Church and Gerhard Herriges |
| Architectural style | Neoclassicism |
| NRHP reference No. | 85001823 |
| Added to NRHP | August 23, 1985 |
The Madison Carnegie Library, also known as the Madison Public Library, is a special building in Madison, Minnesota. It was built in 1905 and is located at 401 Sixth Avenue. This library is made of brick with nice limestone details. It has a grand main entrance with columns and a triangular top part, called a pediment. There's also a small, many-sided dome on its flat roof.
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A Special Library in Madison
This library was built thanks to a generous gift of $8,000 from a famous businessman named Andrew Carnegie. He helped build over 3,000 libraries across 47 states in the United States. Local people in Madison also helped by giving an extra $1,000 in gifts and books. The library officially opened on January 22, 1906. Gerhard Herriges, a builder who worked on many public buildings in Western Minnesota, constructed the library for $6,216.85.
Who Was Andrew Carnegie?
Andrew Carnegie was a very successful businessman who believed in the power of education. He thought that everyone should have access to books and learning. After becoming very wealthy, he decided to give away most of his money to help others. Building libraries was one of his favorite ways to do this. He wanted to create places where people could learn and grow, no matter their background.
What Makes the Building Unique?
The Madison Carnegie Library is a great example of a style called Neoclassicism. This means its design was inspired by ancient Greek and Roman buildings. You can see this in the tall columns and the pediment at the entrance. These features make the building look grand and important. The small dome on top also adds to its unique look. It was designed by architects Ralph D. Church and Gerhard Herriges.
A Place for Learning and Community
For over a century, the Madison Carnegie Library has been a central part of the community. It has served as a place where people can read, study, and connect with others. Libraries like this are important because they offer free access to information and resources. They help people learn new things and explore different ideas. The Madison Carnegie Library is recognized as a historic place. This means it is important to protect its history and unique design for future generations.
