Between 1901 to 1918, the Carnegie Corporation of New York donated $969,375 for the construction of 65 public libraries in the state of Minnesota. 48 are still standing and 25 are still being used as public libraries. 38 of these are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On March 12, 1906 Hamline University in Saint Paul was awarded a $30,000 grant to construct an academic library.
Designed by the architect, Clarence H. Johnston, the building was completed in 1907. A ceremony to lay the corner stone of the building was attended by James J. Hill and Minnesota Governor, J.A. Joohnson. In the 1970’s, the library was incorporated into the Giddens Alumni Learning Center.
