Waupun Public Library
February 18, 2026
Waupun Public Library Receives $10,000 Gift from Carnegie Corporation of New York
WAUPUN — Waupun Public Library recently received a $10,000 gift from Carnegie Corporation of New York, the foundation established by Andrew Carnegie. The award is part of Carnegie Libraries 250, a special initiative celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and honoring the roughly 1,280 Carnegie Libraries still serving their communities across the United States.
Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of 1,681 free public libraries nationwide between 1886 and 1917. Approximately 750 of them continue to use their original buildings, while others have moved to new locations. A total of 63 Carnegie libraries were built in 60 Wisconsin communities between 1901 and 1915.
Waupun’s history of library service to the community is lengthy. The Waupun Library Association was organized by several local men in 1858. The Association was subscription-based, with original fees of $3.00 per year. In 1895, the library became a free public library supported by the City of Waupun. The donations of Carnegie funds and building of Waupun’s Carnegie library took place in 1903 and 1904. The new building opened on October 21, 1905. The Waupun Public Library remained in this building until 1968. The current library building received additions in 1998 and 2008.
Per the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the library may use the funds however they wish to celebrate the 250th anniversary, further their mission, and benefit the community.
Patrons are invited to share their Waupun Public Library photos, stories, and community celebrations at carnegielibraries.org.
The Waupun Carnegie Library at 22 S Madison Street houses the Waupun Heritage Museum operated by the the Waupun Historical Society. It is open Thursdays 4PM to 6PM and Saturdays 10AM to 2PM beginning in March.
