Carnegie Library (St. Charles Public Library)

In 1906, the township voted to build a public library. The Board of Directors wrote a letter to Andrew Carnegie asking for financial assistance. Officials then bought land at the corner of 5th and Main Street on the city's east side to build the new library. The classical revival structure, designed by Rogers & Woodyatt, was built largely due to the money Andrew Carnegie provided. The location of this parcel, which had served as a city refuse dump and favorite ice-skating spot for east-side residents, brought complaints from those living on the west end of town.

With the award of the Carnegie grant, construction began on the new library in December 1906. The total cost of the building was $15,000. Carnegie gave $12,500, leaving the city to come up with the rest.   Upon completion in December 1908, the library, which contained over 2,000 books, had only one librarian, Miss Mary Stewart. Miss Stewart remained the sole librarian until 1929.