History

The Red Lodge City Library opened in the Savoy Hotel in 1914 thanks to the efforts of the Red Lodge Women’s Club. The Club sought the assistance of Andrew Carnegie in securing a permanent library facility. Carnegie donations required that a local governing body provide the building site, promise to arrange for the financial assistance needed for the maintenance of the library, and offer free service for all. The City of Red Lodge agreed to do that, and in 1914, Red Lodge was awarded $15,000 towards the construction of the library. The building was delayed by World War I, with the completion of the facility in 1919. The Red Lodge Carnegie Library opened its doors to the community in early 1920. In 1992, a generous donation by the Koski family allowed for a substantial expansion of the original Carnegie building. The Red Lodge Carnegie Library is located on the north end of the Red Lodge Commercial Historic District. The Library Board strives to maintain the historical integrity of the community’s beloved Carnegie building and proudly celebrated 100 years of service to the community in January 2020.