Carnegie Public Library is a fine example of Prairie style inspired architecture in this part of the state. This style reached its epitome under Frank Lloyd Wright and was intended to combine natural materials in a manner harmonious with the natural environment. The Carnegie Public Library was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Photograph by SHPO staff, May 2022.
In 1907-1908, the Ethical Culture club in Brookings started communication with the Carnegie Foundation for a new library. In 1911, the Brookings Free Library Association formed to collect money and books (first stored in City Hall). In 1913, the citizens of Brookings voted a one-mill levy to support constructing a new building, and the city secured a $10,000 grant that October from the Carnegie Foundation. The structure was designed by Chicago architect Grant C. Miller (Miller, Fullenwider & Dowling) and built by J.H. Robert. In February 1915, local women's clubs hosted a large dedication event at the Presbyterian church. The basement lecture room was used as meeting space for women's clubs, Sunday schools, and Kindergarten classes. The Carnegie Public Library was converted to the Community Cultural Center when a new library was built in 1976.