The Vermillion Carnegie Library has needed repairs for several years. In 2025, the city focused on the restoration of the cupola. Now, with the $10,000 gift, we will be able to repair and restore the windows. Many of these windows are deteriorated with peeling paint, rotten wood, missing or cracked glass, or improper sealing.
We are incredibly grateful to be awarded $10,000 to repair and restore an important historic building within our community. The Vermillion Public Library started on January 13, 1902, when about 100 people met at the Masonic Hall in Vermillion, South Dakota, to establish a public library. In 1903, funds in the sum of $10,000 were appropriated from Andrew Carnegie, and the building began to materialize. During its time as the public library, it played a significant role for those in the small, rural community by providing access to information, entertainment, and a place where the community could engage and come together. The library has since been supported by the City of Vermillion, with contributions from Clay County. In 1978 a new library building was built adjacent to the original. In July 1979, the building was leased to a local law firm and has since been used as law offices. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. It is still owned by the City of Vermillion.
This story was submitted by a Carnegie Library that received a $10,000 gift as part of the Carnegie Libraries 250 initiative. Did your library receive a gift? Share how you’re spending it here.
