[3] The library began in 1884 out of the basement of the Mower County courthouse.

[1] By the turn of the century there became an increased need in more library space so the city of Austin reached out to Andrew Carnegie to petition for funds for a new building.

An initial request for $25,000 was turned down and replaced with an offer of $12,000.

Citing a growth in population the city requested more, and on October 3, 1901, Carnegie agreed to donate $15,000 with the stipulation the city agree to pay a $1,500 annual upkeep and maintenance fee on the building.

[5] The Carnegie building was the main public library of Austin until its replacement in 1996.