Library History

Fergus Falls has had a library since the city’s incorporation in 1872. During the fall of that year, 25 individuals created the Fergus Falls Library Association. This first circulating library was limited to dues paying members or non-members who paid a fee for using the library’s materials.

The Fergus Falls Public Library was established in 1891. The 551 book public library migrated from location to location until the first dedicated public library building opened in 1900. A new library was built in 1906 with a $15,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie. The “Carnegie Library” was expanded in 1961 and, when the library once again outgrew its space, the current library building at 205 E. Hampden Ave. was built in 1986.

Black and white photo of Fergus Falls Public Library Building from 1900 to1906

The Library Renewal Project

The library building recently underwent a major remodel and expansion, during which it was located in a temporary location. The building at 205 E. Hampden Ave. reopened to the public on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.

About the Design:

The design for the expanded and remodeled library includes a complete remodel of the existing square footage and an expansion of the library to a total of approximately 26,000 square feet. The design includes:

An expanded children's area with an enclosed early learning activity and programming room
Collections housed in lower shelving for accessibility
Flexible meeting/study rooms of various sizes, including a 100 person, dividable multi-purpose community room
Increased computer workstations, a technology instruction area and access to new technology
Larger accessible restrooms, including a family restroom
More lounge seating and comfortable, welcoming reading area

Archived project documents: Needs Assessment, Programming Study

Project Financing:

The Library Renewal Project was financed via a local option sales and use tax of 1/2 of one percent (.5%), private fundraising, and a state Library Construction Grant. Construction bids for the expansion and renovation project came in below budget and total anticipated costs for the estimated $9.8 million project were reduced to $9.4 million. The Fergus Falls Public Library Foundation raised $3 million in private gifts and pledges towards the project.

The City of Fergus Falls was awarded a $1 million Library Construction Grant from the Minnesota Department of Education for the library expansion and remodel. The Library Construction Grant program is a competitive dollar-for-dollar matching grant program providing public libraries with funding for renovation, construction, and improvement projects that result in more accessible and energy efficient library facilities.

The remaining project expenses not covered by private fundraising or the Library Construction Grant were paid for via the local option sales and use tax. The sales and use tax for the project went into effect January 1, 2018.

Library Exterior dark sky