Carnegie Library

Our Community received funds from Andrew Carnegie to build a library in the early 1900s. A beautiful building, featuring native materials and set in the shadow of the Johnson County Courthouse, it continues to serves our residents. For nearly 80 years it fulfilled its original purpose, filled with books and magazines and people seeking knowledge. In the 1970s, the local Historical Society submitted an application to have the building declared a National Historic Site, and it was accepted. As the population of our county increased, the need for a larger facility became apparent. A new larger Library was built near by. The GATCHELL MUSEUM, which had been built between the Johnson County Courthouse and the Carnegie building, added this historic building to their campus and a few years later, undertook a remodeling project to join the two buildings and make the facility handicapped accessible. Our Library and Museum staffs realize that our collections compliment each other and we often join forces to assist researchers in their quest for information of our area. This year, our staffs will join to celebrate this building, built 100 years ago. While so many of the original Carnegie buildings across the country and in Wyoming have been torn down, we are happy to celebrate the continued presence of a beautiful building in our town. A monument to the early residents commitment to culture and education, it has served its purpose well. So plans are under way to have a family oriented afternoon in mid July serving birthday cake and ice cream, fun activities, and free entrance to the GATCHELL MUSEUM. A special opportunity for several generations to revisit the past and share their recollections of time spent in their Library.