Who could preserve an historic building better than the local historical society? In many cases, no one. However, preserving old structures is an expensive process. Not only for the preservation of the structure itself, but the costs of the required upgrades,and upkeep can be astronomical. I know. Many years ago, I purchased an old hotel with the glorious reputation that it had been the town’s brothel about the turn of the century. I wanted to restore the building to it’s former “glory,” and had all kinds of ideas of how this would bring fame and fortune to the community. Sadly, it wasn’t to be. The costs were just too high and the buildng eventually went the way of the wrecking ball. Following is an excerpt from an article about the preservation of the Carnegie Library in Mitchell, South Dakota. I have confidence that these folks will pull it off, although it wn’t be easy.
Source: Genealogy Blog

On the surface, it sounds like the deal of the century. Three non-profit groups in Mitchell were able to buy the old Carnegie Library building from the city for just one dollar.
Now, they face the daunting task of making sure their bargain building is not only preserved but able to pay it's own way.

In the late 1800's, Andrew Carnegie made his millions in steel but the 25 hundred public libraries he funded between 1881 and 1917, will be his lasting legacy.

In 1901, citizens in the growing community of Mitchell, were in desperate need of a library so they contacted Carnegie and received 10 thousand dollars. For that, Sioux Falls architect Wallace Dow, designed and built this magnificent structure downtown.

It's mission changed, though, in 1971,when a new more spacious library was built.

Since then, the Carnegie has served as the Oscar Howe Cultural Center..an arts center and a YWCA facility. But it has sat empty for a year now.

The old Carnegie Library, made out of Sioux Quartzite, is solid as a rock. But it does need some repair work and its been costing the city about 17 hundred dollars a month to heat.
Because of the expense and upkeep, the city council decided to declare the Carnegie surplus property and put it up for sale to the highest bidder.

City Councilman, Ken Tracy, says, "It wasn't because we were looking to make money off the thing, we just didn't want it to continue to deteriorate by sitting empty."

A group made up of members from the historical society, genealogical society and arts council, presented a plan to save the Carnegie and keep it from going to outsiders who might gut the place or even remove the rare dome mural painted by world renowned South Dakota artist, Oscar Howe in 1940.

That's when the city council, led by Mayor Alice Claggett, unanimously agreed to just let the group have the place for a dollar.

Mayor Alice Claggett says, " I think it is absolutely the best way we can go. It's the best dollar I've ever gotten."

Now the reality of ownership is setting in.

"Our work has just begun here," says historical society president, Lyle Swenson. "The easy part is done..getting the building. Now we've got to figure out how to pay the ongoing expenses and that's going to be difficult."

Historical society member, Lelia Guilbert, adds, "Oh, yeah, that's what we all said. We looked at each other and said now that we have it what are we going to do with it?"

"The groups are looking at several possibilities right now but first and foremost is to insure that the building remains accessible to the public, says Lori Holmberg, president of the arts council.

There has already been interest for leasing out part of the building for office space which would offset expenses. Plus enthusiastic historians and fund raisers like Kathryn Crockett are confident that there's lots of grant money available out there and is already putting in the paperwork.

She also envisions Mitchell's own version of Carnegie Hall.

Kathryn Crockett, of the historical society says, "If we get the piano back that used to be in here, we can have recitals like we did before. There was a vocal group that regularly performed here. The acoustics are good which is a blessing. And, it's a soundly constructed building that needs some tender loving care and probably a chunk of bucks."

There are some matters that need immediate attention.

Mel Pooley of the historical society says, "The roof has got a little leak problem but other than that, it's brooms and dust mops and a little varnish. The building is in very good condition aside from a few little things and we've got a number of people that will dive in and help us."

Karen Pooley with the Geneology Society adds, "I think it's just a wonderful thing when the opportunity arises, you've got to step up and do something."

Some had suggested that Mitchell follow Sioux Falls in using the old Carnegie Library as a town hall, but that idea was dismissed, primarily because of cost.
Source: Keloland.com