Park Rapids in Hubbard County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Park Rapids Public Library

— Park Rapids History Trail —

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 26, 2025

1. Park Rapids Public Library Marker

Inscription. In 1908, Park Rapids received a grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie toward the construction of a new library. Park Rapids draftsman T. C. Myers designed this one-story, classical revival building. It served as the Public Library until 1994, when the library moved to its current location.

Erected by City of Park Rapids, Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education. In addition, it is included in the Carnegie Libraries series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.

Location. 46° 55.278′ N, 95° 3.532′ W. Marker is in Park Rapids, Minnesota, in Hubbard County. It can be reached from the intersection of 2nd Street East and Park Avenue South (U.S. 71), on the right when traveling west. The marker is tucked in behind the right post at Giiwedinong Treaty Rights and Culture Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 2nd Street E, Park Rapids MN 56470, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Minnesota’s Northland. It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: This Building (here, next to this marker); Auditorium (within shouting distance of this marker); Fuller's Tackle Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Park Theater

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(about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bishop's Department Store (about 400 feet away); Park Rapids Post Office (about 600 feet away); Tourism (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rice Flour Mill Grindstones (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Park Rapids.

Also see . . . Park Rapids Public Library (Carnegie). Park Rapids History Trail

The first library in Park Rapids formed because of pressure from its citizens. In the town's early years, Park Rapids residents were eager to form literary and cultural societies. They hoped to create educational opportunities for children and adults alike. By the end of the nineteenth century, residents petitioned the city for a public library.

At the turn of the twentieth century, Park Rapids opened its first public library. It occupied the second floor of the Fire Department building at the corner of Main Avenue and Second Street. Members of the Ladies Library and Reading Club raised funds to purchase books and volunteered to staff the library.

In 1908, Park Rapids received a $5,000 grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie toward the construction of a new library building. To receive the grant, the town pledged to supply the land and commit
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 26, 2025

2. Park Rapids Public Library Marker behind the right post at the building entrance
to a regular tax to fund the purchase of books, building maintenance, and a librarian's salary.

(Submitted on July 14, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina.)

Giiwedinong Treaty Rights and Culture Museum, formerly the Carnegie Public Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 26, 2025

3. Giiwedinong Treaty Rights and Culture Museum, formerly the Carnegie Public Library

Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 14, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.