The original Kaukauna Public Library still stands, but now is an apartment building. Feb. 12, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
KAUKAUNA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Kaukauna Public Library, an original Carnegie library, has received a $10,000 donation from the Carnegie Corporation in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
The Carnegie Corporation is a foundation started by Andrew Carnegie himself. He donated about $10,000 to build the previous library, which opened in 1906.
“We can probably owe thanks to a woman named Elizabeth Dayton, who wrote under the pen name Beth Day,” said Kaukauna Public Library Historian Gavin Schmitt. “She wrote a letter to Carnegie, and it’s a very compelling letter. It’s really obvious she has literary abilities. And she made an impassioned speech for why Kaukauna was in desperate need, and clearly, it resonated with him.”
The original building is still standing, though the library moved 10 years ago.
“The purpose of the gift was to honor the existing Carnegie libraries across the nation as our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary,” said Kaukauna Public Library Director Ashley Thiem-Menning. “It was an unexpected gift.”
Thiem-Menning said she didn’t even notice the email notifying her of the donation when she received it, thinking it was fake.
The library will use the funds to digitize microfilm reels documenting Kaukauna and Wisconsin history, meaning anyone can access records dating back to the 1880s.
“By taking these from analog to digital, we’re able to bring up any particular name or article in a flash,” said Schmitt.
“We thought it was extremely fitting,” said Thiem-Menning. “Kaukauna has rich history in the state of Wisconsin.”
Carnegie helped build the library, and 120 years later, his foundation is donating to preserve its history. Green Bay’s Brown County Library also received a donation from the Carnegie Corporation.
A full list of Carnegie libraries in Wisconsin can be found here. Libraries in Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay, Waupaca and Waupun are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Two academic institutions, including Lawrence University, also received Carnegie library grants.
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