James J. Hill Reference Library

The James J. Hill Reference Library is a privately funded business research library in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota. It is open to the public and its resources can be used for free on site. In addition, the James J. Hill Library hosts business and social events in its historic reading room. The library is part of the civic legacy of James J. Hill.“My idea is to have good material and plain design avoiding all useless ornamentation,” Hill insisted, although he decided to model his library after that of his principal financial ally, J.P. Morgan. “You have set us a high standard in taking this building for comparison,” Litchfield responded, “but I shall do my durndest.”The James J. Hill Reference Library was completed after his death and funded by his widow, Mary T. Hill, and children Mary Hill, Rachel Hill Boeckmann, Clara Hill Lindley, Louis W. Hill, and Charlotte Hill Slade.