The Carnegie Library is one of Bemidji's oldest and most well-known buildings. It has stood at the corner of Bemidji Avenue and 5th Street since 1909. The Carnegie Library is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The city of Bemidji is considering either demolition or relocation of this historic building, and we consider this to be shameful and shortsighted. As Bemidji residents, we value our history and our city's welfare. We would like for our children and our grandchildren to be able to share in the history and culture of Bemidji, and we fear that the destruction of the Carnegie Library will severly damage the historical lineage of our town. The city should consider every possible option other than demolition for the future of the Carnegie Library. There are numerous state and federal grants available for helping cities in the maintenance of buildings listed in the NRHP.