Northwest Iowa — Carnegie libraries in northwest Iowa are receiving $10,000 grants through the Carnegie Corporation of New York, part of a $250 million nationwide initiative celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
In our area, libraries in Sheldon and Sanborn have received grants.
The “Carnegie Libraries 250” program honors the legacy of Andrew Carnegie, who founded more than 1,600 public libraries across the U.S in the late 19th and 20th centuries. About 1,200 remain.
Other Carnegie libraries in the region awarded the grants include those in Laurens, Storm Lake, Cherokee, and Spencer.
The grant will be delivered in January 2026. According to the Carnegie Corporation, each Carnegie Library may use the funds however they wish to celebrate the anniversary, further their mission, and serve their community.
Sheldon’s original Carnegie Library building now houses the Sheldon Prairie Museum, with the Sheldon Public Library continuing operations across 4th Avenue to the east. Sanborn’s original Carnegie Library building has been moved and repurposed into an events venue called Sanborn Carnegie Hall. Their current public library is at 407 Main Street.
(With assistance from fellow Community First Broadcasting stations KAYL in Storm Lake and KUOO in Spirit Lake)
