About

Welcome to the Buhl Minnesota Library webpage! We are a small Carnegie like library located in a scenic small town on Minnesota’s Iron Range. Our beautiful building was completed in 1918 and contains many historic features. In addition to childrens, teens, and adult reading materials we also offer internet and computer access, events, a museum, and many displays.

History of Buhl Public Library

Buhl’s first librarian was Mrs. M.A. Nichols. When the current Village Hall was completed in early 1913 a room was set aside in the Village Hall for a modest library. By 1916 Mayor Doyle suggested that is was time for a separate building and his suggestion was well received.

In 1917 bids were let out for construction of a library according to the plans and specifications on architects Halsted and Sullivan of Duluth. The site selected for the library was what old-timers describe as a most beautiful park with a small creek meandering through it and a band stand in its center. The property had been purchased in 1912 for $6000 for the purpose of this park. (Ten years prior to this around 1903 this site had been a farm where the first pioneers would obtain milk).

Two weeks after the official bids were let out, Dr. Shaw and other parties served an injunction to the village against the building of the library stating that it would ruin the beauty of the scenic park. On March 23, 1917, Judge Martin Hughes denied the injunction remarking that the library would not detract from the park, but enhance the beauty of the park. Construction began.

Unlike other small Minnesota towns that primarily built their libraries with Carnegie Foundation monies, the Buhl Library was built entirely with local money, most of which was generated by the rapidly growing mining industry. The library was finished in the spring of 1918, delayed a little by the steel shortage due to World War I.

The simple rectangular single story building with a high basement is made of red brick and trimmed with stone. A stone eagle atop the entrance greets every visitor. The auditorium (with a stage) in the basement holds 250 people and there is also a kitchen and club rooms.

The Library’s two murals were painted by Charles Rosenkrantz, one of the partners that designed the interior. Interior decorations include two fireplaces, stain & lead glass windows, and painted plaster cove moldings.

By 1920 there were 1,756 library card holders in a village with a population of 2,007! The Library served many functions. There was a smoking room for the men in the basement and a reading room for the women. Fraternal, church, and social organizations frequently used the club rooms. In fact, during the spring and fall there was such demand for use of the club rooms for luncheons that a request ahead of time was necessary. The stage was used for children’s plays in the 1930’s.

Miss Enid Stafford was the first librarian of the new building. She was assisted by Miss Fannie Kerr who was the first children’s librarian. The Buhl Public Library has been nominated and did receive the honor as a National Historic Site.