SDHC Recognizes Carnegie Libraries, National Library Week

Over 300 years ago, the first colonial public library was established in Bath, North Carolina, and one hundred years later – in 1800 – the Library of Congress was established. Since that time, public libraries have flourished throughout the United States, now totaling approximately 9,000 public library systems made up of over 17,000 central libraries, branch libraries, and bookmobiles. An annual event in April of each year – National Library Week – seeks to recognize and celebrate the vital role libraries play in the functioning of American society through the promotion of literacy and fostering of an informed citizenry. In 2026, National Library Week, sponsored by the American Library Association, is scheduled for the week of April 19 – 25.

While the history of libraries in the United States is extensive, one of the most notable periods of growth was that of what is known as the “Carnegie era,” spanning from the 1880s to the 1920s. Industrialist Andrew Carnegie, having grown up poor in Scotland with little access to books, believed that free and universal access to information was essential to individual success. After selling his steel company, Carnegie used most of his wealth to build over 2,500 libraries around the world, with nearly 1,700 of them in the U.S. His wealth contributed to the construction of the library buildings, but he stipulated that local communities provide the location and fund the operation of the libraries through local taxes as a means to ensure community buy-in.

South Dakota is home to 25 public libraries funded by Carnegie grants totaling $254,000, built from 1901 to 1917. While four of those original buildings are no longer standing, eight of them are still functioning in their original capacity – as public libraries – and another thirteen of the buildings are still standing but now serving another purpose in their communities. Fourteen of the buildings themselves are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, while eight contribute to a historic district listed on that same Register.

Beyond the historic Carnegie libraries that call South Dakota home, the state boasts an impressive collection of 130 public libraries, consisting of 106 central libraries, 18 branch libraries, and 6 bookmobiles. These libraries serve 89-90% of South Dakota residents. In addition, the state boasts 283 school libraries, assisting in the education and growth of even the youngest of South Dakota’s residents.

The South Dakota Humanities Council is proud and honored to work with all the libraries across our state, and we join in honoring and acknowledging their important contributions to South Dakota’s communities not just during National Library Week, but throughout the year.