Ritzville Carnegie Library facts for kids
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Ritzville Carnegie Library
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Ritzville Carnegie Library in 2007
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 Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | 302 West Main Avenue, Ritzville, Washington |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1907 |
| Architect | Preusse & Zittel |
| Part of | Ritzville Historic District (ID90000676) |
| MPS | Carnegie Libraries of Washington TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 82004192 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 3, 1982 |
| Designated CP | May 2, 1990 |
The Ritzville Carnegie Library is a special building in Ritzville, Washington. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important place in American history.
The library was built in 1907. It got money from a famous person named Andrew Carnegie. Today, it still works as Ritzville's main library. The building was designed by architects Preusse & Zittel from Spokane.
The Start of the Library
The idea for a library in Ritzville began in 1902. A man named Daniel Buchanan gave 268 books to the town. These books became the first collection for a small library. It was set up above a local store.
In 1903, the town decided to help the library. They gave $1,000 to keep it running. This money helped pay for things the library needed.
Andrew Carnegie's Gift
By 1906, the people of Ritzville wanted a bigger, permanent library. They asked Andrew Carnegie for help. Carnegie was a very rich businessman who loved to support libraries. He promised to give $10,000 for a new building.
But there was a condition. The town had to find a place for the library. They also had to promise to take care of it. Ritzville was special because it was the smallest town in the United States to get money from Carnegie for a library.
The new library building was finished in 1907. It was not just for books. The basement of the library was also used for town council meetings. This shows how important the building was to the community.
