The Carnegie Library was orginally constructed in 1904 with funding from the Carnegie Foundation. It is one of the few remaining original Carnegie Library buildings in the nation. It functioned as Decatur's library until the mid 1970's when Wheeler Basin Regional Library was erected. This historic building is now home to the community's first art museum, the Carnegie Visual Arts Center, which opened in 2003. The center is a cultural, educational and community service organization providing an environment to promote learning, creation and appreciation of the visual arts.

The Carnegie also serves to preserve a historic landmark and administer the use of the facility as a multi-purpose resource for all the citizens of Decatur, Morgan County, and North Alabama. Art and the historic significance of the building make the Carnegie a destination for tourists as well as local citizens. This year carriage rides in Old Decatur begin and end at the Carnegie. After purchasing carriage ride tickets, guests may wait their turn inside while enjoying the art and architecture of the building. Visit The Carnegie Visual Arts Center web site.