The Carnegie Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization formed specifically to own and restore the Carnegie Library in Rockwell City, Iowa.

The Story

112 years ago, Rockwell City’s community pride shown bright as the doors to its Carnegie Library first opened. For nearly 100 years, it housed story hours, student and adult researchers, and those seeking knowledge or to “escape” life in the pages of a book. It saw technology come and go, laughter and tears, and thousands of books rotate through its shelves.

In 2008, the books left its shelves for good, it was sold, and then left empty, silent and neglected, its doors and windows dimmed. In 2019, undeterred by the significant damage to the interior plaster, window framing, ceiling tiles, and other interior finishes by exposure and lack of temperature or humidity control, The Carnegie Project formed to purchase, rehabilitate, and make the building and community shine again.

Our Mission

1. To PRESERVE the Carnegie Library building in Rockwell City, Iowa.

2. To IMPROVE and ENHANCE the quality of life for residents and visitors of Rockwell City and Calhoun County, echoing the same purpose that led to the construction of the Carnegie Library.

Board of Directors

The Carnegie Project is founded by a group of Rockwell City community members, including Karen Anderson (Vice President), Lynne Gentry (Secretary/Treasurer), and Jill Heisterkamp-Roan (President).