Dillon’s Historic Carnegie Library Awarded $10,000 Anniversary Gift

DILLON, Mont. — The Dillon Public Library is set to receive a $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York as part of a national celebration marking America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

The donation is one of approximately 1,280 gifts being awarded to Carnegie libraries across the United States. More than a century after industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie financed the construction of 1,681 public libraries nationwide, many—including Dillon’s—continue to serve as vital community hubs.

Dillon holds a special place in that history: the Dillon Public Library was Montana’s first Carnegie library, opening its doors on December 27, 1902. It is one of 17 Carnegie-funded libraries established in the state.

Library officials say the gift not only honors the library’s past but also supports its continued mission to serve the community more than 120 years after its founding.

Community members can learn more about the initiative and explore the history of Carnegie libraries across the country by visiting the Carnegie Libraries Across America interactive map at carnegie-libraries.carnegie.org.