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Monday, December 26, 2022

The Carnegie Library (now home to the Anacortes Museum) made its public debut on this date in 1910, when the community was invited for an open house. “The library board is more than pleased with the results of the informal opening of the public library on Monday,” reported the Anacortes American on Dec. 29. “Notwithstanding the fact that the day was a disagreeable one from a weather standpoint, and that it was a legal holiday, many visitors were in evidence during the hours that the building was open to the public. Mrs. George B. Smith, secretary-treasurer of the board, reports that there are nearly 800 volumes on hand at present, and only a few of the books ordered have arrived so far.” Construction of the building was funded by a $10,000 grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation.