Pella’s Carnegie-Viersen Library opened in 1907 in a purpose-built structure funded by an $11,000 Carnegie grant and a gift from local businesswoman Sybrigje Viersen. Viersen donated the building lot on the west side of the city square, along with $6,000 for books, in memory of her father, Heerke Viersen. The Viersen family had emigrated from the Netherlands in 1847 with Pella’s founder, Rev. Henry P. Scholte, and remained active in the community for decades.
The library building was expanded twice and served Pella until 2000, when it was replaced by a larger modern facility. The original Carnegie landmark has since been repurposed for city offices.
Many Pella residents — including myself — hold fond memories of spending after-school, Saturday, or summer hours in the cozy confines of the Carnegie-Viersen Library. It was there that many of us developed a lifelong love of books and the enrichment they provide. Today we offer heartfelt thanks to Carnegie, to Viersen, and to the many librarians who have provided our community with an invaluable service.
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