Although America's first public libraries date to the mid-19th century, most Wisconsin public libraries date from the late 19th or early 20th centuries, especially from the period 1898 to 1919 when Andrew Carnegie began his library philanthropy.  Prior to that time, many Wisconsin libraries were privately held or organized by local voluntary associations, and were, for the most part, luxuries afforded only to the wealthy and well-educated. During the later part of the 19th century, however, local library associations began to feel that public-sponsored libraries would be the most effective way to develop a stable library system that spread through local communities. 

At the state level, Wisconsin's territorial legislature authorized the establishment of a state library in 1836, and the State Historical Society's library began in 1854. The Wisconsin Public Library Act, passed in 1872, authorized towns to establish libraries and buy books with funds provided by taxes.  Although the bill passed easily, it only gradually began to have effect. In the 20 years after it passed, only 13 "legal" libraries were established although several "illegal" association libraries continued to operate in communities that felt no need to comply with the state enabling legislation.

Even though public libraries were the exception rather than the rule prior to 1900, between 1882 and 1900, 20 communities received generous funding from wealthy citizens to create public libraries. The Wisconsin Library Association and its successor, the Wisconsin Free Library Commission (WLFC), were the main bodies promoting the establishment and improvement of public libraries, seeing libraries as essential to the intellectual and moral development of children and young adults.  Lutie Stearns was one of the WLFC's most active members and she became its first paid staff person in 1897. She recruited hundreds of women to the library movement, anad the creation of effective, professional public libraries took its place among other Progressive Era reforms. In 1896, Wisconsin had 28 free libraries. By 1922, that figure had jumped to 211. The combination of state and local support with Andrew Carnegie's donations led to the construction and on-going operation of 64 libraries in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin's Cultural Resources Study Units, Wisconsin Historical Society

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