Coleraine Carnegie Library
203 Cole Ave., Coleraine
This is the “best preserved” of Minnesota’s Carnegie Libraries, according to a U.S. library historian. It was built in 1910 as part of the Oliver Mining Company’s plan for its “model community” of Coleraine – a place where miners and their families would be insulated from the rowdy, bar-infested neighboring town of Bovey.
John C. Greenway, Oliver’s Canisteo district superintendent, set aside two lots for the building and negotiated the $15,000 Andrew Carnegie library gift. Four hundred books purchased for $315 formed the nucleus of the library when it opened in 1911. Meeting rooms, a fireplace, and furnishings were added in 1923.
The building, which continues as a library and community center, exemplifies the neo-classical style of architecture that was so popular in the early 20th century public buildings.