Coleraine Carnegie Library
203 Cole Ave., Coleraine
A Library at the Heart of 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 early 20th-century public buildings.
A Brief Timeline
The library was built as part of the Oliver Mining Company’s plan for its model community of Coleraine.
The library opened with 400 books purchased for $315.
Meeting rooms, a fireplace, and furnishings were added to the building.
A Neo-Classical Landmark
The library’s architecture reflects the formal civic style used for many early 20th-century public buildings.
A Continuing Community Resource
Built in 1910, the Coleraine Carnegie Library continues to serve as both a library and a community center while preserving an important example of neo-classical public architecture.
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