National Register Listing

Ritzville Carnegie Library

302 W. Main St., Ritzville, WA
The history of the Ritzville library began in 1902 with the donation to the city of 364 volumes by Daniel Buchanan. The library was incorporated under the auspices of the city in 1903 and a ballot proposition seeking voter approval for the expenditure of funds appeared in the 1904 general election. These activities were undertaken in anticipation of the city's application for a Carnegie grant. The grant was approved in 1906, first for $10,000, and, after the city promised $50 more per year in operating appropriations, later for $10,500. A downtown site was obtained for $2,500 and the new library was constructed in 1907. It has served ever since as the city's library. The building has stood up well, although the brickwork has been repointed. In 1980 the flat roof withstood the strain of tons of Mt. St. Helens volcanic ash. Although space is limited, the library is able to offer its patrons a variety of services by co-operation with the Spokane system.

This building, like other Carnegie libraries, has been the central focus of Ritzville's intellectual and cultural life for most of this century.
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
  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.

education architecture social history library
The Seattle Great Wheel, located on the city's waterfront, is one of the largest Ferris wheels in the United States, standing at 175 feet tall.
Washington random facts
Adams County, located in the state of Washington, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Palouse, Nez Perce, and Spokane. These tribes thrived on the fertile land and relied on agriculture, hunting, and gathering for their livelihood.

European settlers arrived in the 1800s, attracted by the fertile soil and the potential for farming. The area became a destination for homesteaders, who quickly established towns and communities. Adams County was officially established in 1883 and named after the second President of the United States, John Adams.

A significant event in the county's history was the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in the late 19th century. The railway brought increased connectivity and transportation opportunities, allowing for the growth of commerce and trade. This led to the development of new industries such as wheat farming and flour milling, which became major economic contributors to the county.

Over the years, Adams County has faced challenges such as droughts, economic downturns, and the Great Depression. However, the resilient community persevered, adapting to changing times and embracing new opportunities. Today, the county continues to be an important agricultural hub, with crops such as wheat, potatoes, and sugar beets being major contributors to its economy. The county also boasts stunning landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities, making it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts and travelers.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Adams County, Washington.

  • 1879 - Adams County is organized by a legislative act on November 28th.
  • 1883 - The county seat is established in Ritzville.
  • 1889 - Adams County becomes a part of the newly admitted state of Washington.
  • 1905 - The Othello Irrigation District is formed, leading to agricultural development in the region.
  • 1945 - The Hanford Site, a nuclear production complex, is established in southwestern Adams County.
  • 1989 - The Adams County Historical Society is founded to preserve and share the history of the region.