Carnegie Public Library
🏢 Carnegie Public Library · Big Timber, Montana
Carnegie Public Library
The Carnegie Public Library in Big Timber has anchored Sweet Grass County's intellectual life for more than a century. Built in 1913 with a Carnegie Corporation grant and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, the Neoclassical brick building at 314 McLeod Street features a pedimented entry with Roman Tuscan columns — one of the most intact Carnegie library buildings in Montana. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10am–6pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–6pm |
| Thursday | 10am–6pm |
| Friday | 10am–6pm |
| Saturday | 10am–6pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 314 McLeod Street, Big Timber, MT 59011
Phone: (406) 932-5608
Website: bigtimberlibrary.org
Plus Code: 85QGR2MW+7J (Big Timber, MT)
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📖 About Carnegie Public Library
Carnegie Public Library is the public library of Big Timber, the seat of Sweet Grass County in south-central Montana. The library's origins trace to 1902–1912, when the growing ranching and railroad community organized a Library Association. In 1911, Association president J.A. Lowry wrote to Andrew Carnegie requesting construction funds, and the Carnegie Corporation approved the grant. The one-story rectangular brick building, designed by Billings architects C.S. Haire and J.G. Link and built by local firm Gagnon & Company, opened in 1913. It displays Neoclassical elements typical of Carnegie libraries built after 1904 — a pedimented entry, Roman Tuscan columns, and symmetrical fenestration. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 11, 2002, it remains one of the most intact Carnegie libraries in Montana. The library offers MontanaLibrary2Go digital lending, BookFlix for children, a community meeting room, and a summer reading program, connecting Big Timber residents to resources far beyond the building's walls.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Built in 1913 with an Andrew Carnegie Corporation grant — one of Montana's most intact Carnegie library buildings still serving its original purpose
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 11, 2002, recognized for Neoclassical architecture designed by Billings firm C.S. Haire and J.G. Link
- Pedimented entry supported by Roman Tuscan columns, symmetrical fenestration — the signature post-1904 Carnegie design standard
- MontanaLibrary2Go and BookFlix provide free digital lending of eBooks, audiobooks, and children's literacy content
- Community meeting room available to non-profit organizations; open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Carnegie Public Library cardholders can borrow digitally and access educational content free through Montana's statewide platforms:
📚 Services
- Circulating books, large print, audiobooks on CD, and DVDs
- MontanaLibrary2Go digital lending (eBooks, audiobooks, magazines via Libby/OverDrive)
- BookFlix children's digital literacy platform
- Online catalog with account access and hold requests
- Community meeting room for non-profit organizations
- Public computers and Wi-Fi
- Summer reading BINGO challenge with prizes
🎸 Programs
- Summer reading BINGO program with prizes (bookmarks, keychains, grand-prize drawing)
- Children's programming and early literacy through BookFlix
- Community events organized by the Friends of the Library
- Adult programs and community gatherings in the historic Carnegie building
📍 Nearby Libraries in South-Central Montana
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Big Timber · Browse all Montana libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Carnegie Public Library in Big Timber built, and is it a historic landmark?
The library was built in 1913 using a grant from the Carnegie Corporation, awarded after Library Association president J.A. Lowry petitioned Andrew Carnegie in 1911. The Neoclassical brick building — designed by Billings architects C.S. Haire and J.G. Link and constructed by local firm Gagnon & Company — was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 11, 2002, and remains one of the most intact Carnegie library buildings in Montana.
What are the library's hours, and is it open on Mondays?
The Carnegie Public Library is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed on Monday and Sunday.
Can I borrow eBooks or audiobooks from the Carnegie Public Library?
Yes. Big Timber cardholders get free access to MontanaLibrary2Go — Montana's statewide Libby/OverDrive service — for eBooks, audiobooks and digital magazines. The library also offers BookFlix for children's digital literacy content and hoopla for no-waitlist streaming.
Does the Carnegie Public Library have a meeting room?
Yes. The library makes a community meeting room available to non-profit organizations in Sweet Grass County. Contact the library at (406) 932-5608 to check availability and room policies.
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✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.