National Register Listing

Valley City Carnegie Library

a.k.a. Valley City Public Library

413 Central Ave., Valley City, ND
The Valley City Carnegie Library was the second of three prominent libraries constructed between 1900 and 1905 from designs of Fargo Architect William C. Albrandt. In 1900 Albrandt's Mayville Public Library was constructed as the first public library building in North Dakota. The style and configuration of the Mayville Library is clearly remembered in the 1903 Valley City Carnegie Library, although the latter is somewhat heavier in posture and detail. Albrandt's third library, also a Carnegie library, was built in 1905 on the campus of North Dakota Agricultural College, and was Albrandt's finest rendition of themes and styles carried through all three library structures.

The Valley City library was one of eleven Carnegie libraries built in North Dakota, and is one of only three Carnegie libraries which remain essentially unaltered in the state. Andrew Carnegie made donations for public and academic libraries between 1898 and 1917, and he endorsed a functional building plan for the structures but left variety and detail to the individual architect. The Valley City Library conforms to the Carnegie prescriptions, except for the "wasteful" window placement. The Valley City Carnegie Library therefore stands as a lasting symbol of Gilded Age philanthropy and a continuing community dedication to the faith of that era in universal public education.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
  A brief timeline of the history of Carnegie Libraries

  • 1881: Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist, begins his philanthropic efforts in library construction by donating funds to build the Braddock Library in Pennsylvania.

  • 1883: The first "Carnegie Library" is officially established in Dunfermline, Scotland, Carnegie's birthplace. This library serves as a model for future Carnegie Libraries.

  • 1886: Carnegie writes an article titled "Wealth," where he articulates his belief in philanthropy and the responsibility of the wealthy to give back to society.

  • 1889: The Carnegie Corporation of New York is established with the aim of funding the construction of libraries across the United States and other English-speaking countries.

  • 1893: The first Carnegie Library in the United States, the Carnegie Library of Braddock in Pennsylvania, is opened to the public.

  • Late 1890s to early 1900s: The construction of Carnegie Libraries spreads rapidly throughout the United States and other parts of the English-speaking world, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The libraries are often designed by prominent architects and feature diverse architectural styles.

  • 1901: The Carnegie Corporation of New York is founded as a philanthropic organization to manage and administer Andrew Carnegie's charitable projects, including the library program.

  • 1902: Carnegie makes a significant endowment, donating $10 million to establish the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Institute includes a library, an art gallery, and a natural history museum.

  • 1917: Andrew Carnegie dies, leaving a lasting legacy of philanthropy, including the establishment of thousands of libraries around the world.

  • 1920s-1930s: The construction of Carnegie Libraries gradually slows down, and the focus shifts to maintaining and updating existing libraries to meet changing community needs.

  • Late 20th century to present: Many Carnegie Libraries undergo renovations, expansions, or repurposing to adapt to modern library services and technological advancements. Some continue to operate as public libraries, while others have been transformed into cultural centers, museums, community spaces, or educational institutions.

The Carnegie Libraries have left an indelible mark on the accessibility of knowledge and education. They remain a testament to Andrew Carnegie's belief in the power of libraries to uplift communities and provide opportunities for personal and intellectual growth.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture social history library
The famous North Dakota artist, Frederic Remington, spent time in the state in the late 1800s and produced several paintings and sculptures inspired by the Western frontier and the people who lived there.
North Dakota random facts
Barnes County, located in the southeastern part of North Dakota, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by the Dakota Sioux Native American tribe and later became a part of the Dakota Territory. In 1872, Barnes County was officially established and named after Alanson H. Barnes, a Republican politician of the time.

The arrival of European settlers in the 1870s brought significant changes to the region. The growth of agriculture, particularly wheat farming, became the backbone of the local economy. The introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century further fueled growth, as it provided a means for transporting goods and people to and from Barnes County. Numerous small towns, such as Valley City, Litchville, and Wimbledon, were established as economic and social centers for the surrounding rural communities.

In the early 20th century, Barnes County faced several challenges, including the Great Depression and changes in agricultural practices. However, the construction of the Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway in the 1930s helped boost tourism and brought new opportunities to the area. Additionally, the establishment of Valley City State University in 1890 provided educational and cultural resources to the community.

Over the years, Barnes County has continued to evolve and adapt to a changing world. Today, it remains an important agricultural region, known for its wide-open landscapes and friendly communities. The county's historical sites, museums, and festivals serve as a reminder of its rich heritage and the contributions made by its residents throughout the years.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Barnes County, North Dakota.

  • 1870: Native American tribes settle in the area.
  • 1872: Fort Ransom is established by the US Army.
  • 1874: European settlers arrive and begin farming in the region.
  • 1879: Barnes County is officially organized and named after Judge Alanson Barnes.
  • 1881: Valley City becomes the county seat.
  • 1882: The railroad reaches Valley City, stimulating economic growth.
  • 1910: The Sheyenne River Valley is hit by severe flooding.
  • 1920s: The agricultural economy booms, with wheat and corn as the main crops.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression brings economic hardships to the county.
  • 1957: Valley City State University is established.
  • 1980: Valley City experiences a devastating tornado.
  • 2000s: Barnes County sees a decline in population due to rural-to-urban migration.