Historic Ritzville Library Celebrates $10,000 Carnegie Grant!
As the smallest town in the U.S. to have a Carnegie Library, Ritzville is celebrating a big
moment—a $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. This award is part of
Carnegie Libraries 250, a nationwide initiative commemorating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and honoring more than 1,200 Carnegie Libraries that continue to serve communities today. Founded by Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie, the Carnegie Foundation funded 1,681 free public libraries across the country between 1886 and 1917. Opened in 1907, Ritzville Public Library is one of 43 Carnegie Libraries built in Washington, 32 of which still stand proudly.
A Statement from the Director
“As the smallest town in the U.S. to receive a Carnegie Library, we are proud to accept this gift
from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, honoring our rich history and Andrew Carnegie’s
enduring vision of libraries as places that strengthen communities and democracy,” said Millie
Hopkins, Library Director. “These funds will help us expand programs, support lifelong learning, and continue providing a welcoming space where people of all ages can explore, connect, and grow.”
A Legacy of Community Spirit
The library’s story began in 1902, when local farmer Daniel Buchanan donated over 550 books to create a public library “free…to all residents of Adams County.” Its first home was a small reading room above a millinery shop, furnished with donations from the Manhattan Club and staffed by G. Reicher, the first librarian. As the town grew, Ritzville received a $10,500 Carnegie grant to build a permanent library. The cornerstone was laid on June 4, 1907, in a ceremony attended by Governor Albert Mead and other dignitaries. And then there was that unforgettable Valentine’s night, when music, laughter, and generosity filled the air as residents raised $10,000 in matching funds in a single evening, ensuring the library’s future. It was a testament to the town’s unwavering commitment to learning, inclusion, and community pride.
A Library for Today and Tomorrow
Today, housed in its original Carnegie building and listed on the National Register of Historic
Places, the Ritzville Public Library continues to be a hub for resources, programs, and
connections. From its roots in a millinery loft to its role as a vibrant community space, the
library reflects over a century of love for books, learning, and each other.
Share your favorite library memories or photos at carnegielibraries.org and join us in celebrating this rich legacy.
For more history on the Ritzville Public Library, visit Columbia University’s Carnegie Archives or watch a short video here.
Millie Hopkins, Director
Comments
Post a Comment