Carnegie Library fetes history

IRONWOOD - In connection with the "The Way We Worked" exhibit that is open throughout the region, the Ironwood Carnegie Library hosted an "Andrew Carnegie Day" open house Friday.

The event featured cake and refreshments, as well as a display of books - both on local history and the of the turn-of-the-century industrialist who provided funds for the library's founding.

Built in 1901, Ironwood's library is the oldest continuously operating Carnegie Library in the state. It was added to the National Register of Places in 2011.

Carnegie, known for his many philanthropic donations, valued libraries from his youth in Scotland, library director Elaine Erickson explained.

"He gave money all over the United States for libraries, libraries were very important to him," said Erickson. "He felt that libraries were the door to success, or opportunity."

Ironwood's library still features a number of original materials throughout the building, including the woodwork and ornate radiators and the air return grates.

"(The library) is a beautiful girl and we do love her," Erickson said. "We feel like we are the caretakers, not only of the building, but of the community culture."

Many of the libraries founded with funds from Carnegie have since closed, Erickson explained, as the result of the small design Carnegie prized.

"They were kind of obsolete the minute they were built, just because of size. He didn't believe in any frivolity, no meeting rooms, nothing that was space at all. So the libraries tend to be very small," Erickson said. "You see we've used every inch that we can. ... We love our building."

The open house also featured "Flat Andrew's Tour of Ironwood," which featured a cut-out of Carnegie touring various local businesses.

"It took on a life of its own and people wanted to be pictured with 'Flat Andrew,'" Erickson said.

Erickson was pleased with the number of people who came to the event see what the library had to offer.

"We've had a steady stream (of people)," said Erickson, "... kids, all ages, being exposed to all the resources that we have to offer."