Aitkin Carnegie Library

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Aitkin Carnegie Library
Aitkin Carnegie Library.jpg
USA Minnesota location map.svg
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Location121 2nd St., NW
Aitkin, Minnesota
Coordinates 46°31′59.57″N93°42′32.81″W / 46.5332139°N 93.7091139°W / 46.5332139; -93.7091139
Built1911
Architect Claude & Starck
Architectural styleClassical Revival
MPS Aitkin County MRA
NRHP reference No. 82002924 [1]
Added to NRHPApril 16, 1982
Aitkin Carnegie Library
USA Minnesota location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Usa edcp location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Location121 2nd St. NW, Aitkin, Minnesota
Built1911
ArchitectClaude & Starck
Architectural styleClassical Revival
MPS Aitkin County MRA
NRHP reference No. 82002924
Added to NRHPApril 16, 1982

The Aitkin Carnegie Library is a historic Carnegie library building located at 121 Second Street NW in Aitkin, Minnesota, United States. Designed by the architectural firm Claude & Starck in the Classical Revival style, it was completed in 1911 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today it serves as the Jaques Art Center.

Contents

History

The city of Aitkin first organized a free public library in 1904, initially housing its collection in the village council chamber. [2] On April 23, 1908, Aitkin secured a $6,500 grant from the Carnegie Foundation to build a permanent library structure. [3] Plans were drawn by Claude & Starck, a firm known for library designs in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The local contractor N. J. Holden was awarded the construction bid. [4] The library was completed and dedicated in 1911. The Carnegie grant terms required the community to provide and maintain the site, and to commit local taxation (approximately 10 % of the grant) for ongoing operational support. [5]

In 1982, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognized for its architectural integrity and its role in the intellectual and cultural development of Aitkin. [6]

In 1995, local citizens purchased the building (for the symbolic sum of $1) to house a center for the preservation and exhibition of the work of Aitkin County wildlife artist **Francis Lee Jaques**. [7] A renovation completed in 2004 added an elevator, the Jaques Gallery, and a classroom, while preserving historic features. [8]

Architecture & Description

The building is a one-story structure set on an elevated basement, built of buff-colored brick on a concrete foundation. [9] It is covered by a low-pitched hipped, red tile roof and features decorative hip knobs. [10]

The symmetrical façade includes a central pedimented portico with recessed entrance, supported by columns, flanked by windows. [11] Windows are grouped in sets of three double-hung units; side elevations mirror that pattern, and a single double-hung window is placed at the rear. [12]

Inside, the original finishes included Flemish oak shelving, casings, moldings, furniture, and a central librarian’s desk. [13] The basement originally contained a meeting room, restrooms, and mechanical space. [14]

Jaques Art Center

Since its conversion, the building operates as the **Jaques Art Center**, a nonprofit arts and education venue. It hosts rotating exhibits (approximately every 8 weeks) and maintains the largest public collection of Francis Lee Jaques works outside the Bell Museum in Minnesota. A gift shop in the center continues the tradition of offering a book section, echoing its original library purpose.

References

  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places . National Park Service. January 23, 2007.
  2. "Minnesota Historic Properties Inventory: Aitkin Carnegie Library". National Park Service. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  3. "Placeography: Aitkin Carnegie Library". Placeography. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  4. "Placeography: Aitkin Carnegie Library". Placeography. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  5. "Placeography: Aitkin Carnegie Library". Placeography. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  6. "Aitkin Carnegie Library NRHP nomination". National Park Service. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  7. "Aitkin County Historic Places — Aitkin Carnegie Library" (PDF). Aitkin County Historic Society. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  8. "Aitkin County Historic Places — Aitkin Carnegie Library" (PDF). Aitkin County Historic Society. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  9. "Aitkin Carnegie Library NRHP nomination". National Park Service. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  10. "Aitkin Carnegie Library NRHP nomination". National Park Service. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  11. "Aitkin Carnegie Library NRHP nomination". National Park Service. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  12. "Aitkin Carnegie Library NRHP nomination". National Park Service. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  13. "Placeography: Aitkin Carnegie Library". Placeography. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  14. "Aitkin Carnegie Library NRHP nomination". National Park Service. Retrieved October 17, 2025.