What are Carnegie Libraries?

Carnegie Libraries are public libraries that were built with financial assistance from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. These libraries were funded by Carnegie's donations and were established across the United States and other countries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Who was Andrew Carnegie?

Andrew Carnegie was a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist who made a fortune in the steel industry during the late 19th century. He believed in the importance of education and donated a significant portion of his wealth to fund the construction of public libraries, known as Carnegie Libraries.

Why did Andrew Carnegie fund libraries?

Andrew Carnegie believed that access to knowledge and education was vital for individual and societal progress. He funded libraries as a way to provide free access to books and learning resources to communities, particularly those that lacked access to educational opportunities.

How many Carnegie Libraries were built?

Between 1883 and 1929, Carnegie's donations led to the construction of over 2,500 libraries worldwide. The majority of these libraries were built in the United States, with others in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

What was the process to receive funding for a Carnegie Library?

Communities seeking funding for a Carnegie Library had to submit a formal application to Carnegie's foundation, providing details about their need for a library, willingness to maintain the library, and plans for site selection and ongoing funding. Carnegie's foundation would then review the application and approve or deny the request.

What were the architectural features of Carnegie Libraries?

Carnegie Libraries often featured neoclassical architectural styles, reflecting the prevailing design preferences of the time. Many were designed by prominent architects and showcased features like grand entrances, decorative facades, and large reading rooms with high ceilings and natural light.

Were all Carnegie Libraries the same?

While Carnegie Libraries shared the common purpose of providing public access to books and knowledge, their sizes and designs varied depending on the community's needs and available funding. Some libraries were smaller, single-room facilities, while others were larger, multi-story buildings.

Are Carnegie Libraries still in use today?

Many Carnegie Libraries are still in use today, serving as public libraries, community centers, museums, or other cultural institutions. Some have undergone renovations or expansions to accommodate modern needs, while others remain relatively unchanged.

Did Carnegie Libraries have any specific requirements or conditions?

Carnegie's donations often came with conditions. For example, communities were expected to provide a suitable site for the library, commit to maintaining the facility, and allocate a portion of their annual budget for library operations. Additionally, racial segregation was sometimes enforced in Carnegie Libraries, reflecting the social norms of the era.

What is the legacy of Carnegie Libraries?

The Carnegie Library initiative had a significant impact on public library development worldwide. It expanded access to education, promoted literacy, and served as a model for future library systems. The libraries continue to play a crucial role in communities by providing free access to knowledge and fostering a love of reading.

Historical Marker

Oroville Carnegie Library

Historical marker location:

1675 Montgomery Street, Oroville, California

( Marker is at the intersection of Montgomery Street and Oak Street, on the right when traveling east on Montgomery Street.)

Built 1912

A brief timeline of the history of Carnegie Libraries

1881: Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist, begins his philanthropic efforts in library construction by donating funds to build the Braddock Library in Pennsylvania.
1883: The first "Carnegie Library" is officially established in Dunfermline, Scotland, Carnegie's birthplace. This library serves as a model for future Carnegie Libraries.
1886: Carnegie writes an article titled "Wealth," where he articulates his belief in philanthropy and the responsibility of the wealthy to give back to society.
1889: The Carnegie Corporation of New York is established with the aim of funding the construction of libraries across the United States and other English-speaking countries.
1893: The first Carnegie Library in the United States, the Carnegie Library of Braddock in Pennsylvania, is opened to the public.
Late 1890s to early 1900s: The construction of Carnegie Libraries spreads rapidly throughout the United States and other parts of the English-speaking world, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The libraries are often designed by prominent architects and feature diverse architectural styles.
1901: The Carnegie Corporation of New York is founded as a philanthropic organization to manage and administer Andrew Carnegie's charitable projects, including the library program.
1902: Carnegie makes a significant endowment, donating $10 million to establish the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Institute includes a library, an art gallery, and a natural history museum.
1917: Andrew Carnegie dies, leaving a lasting legacy of philanthropy, including the establishment of thousands of libraries around the world.
1920s-1930s: The construction of Carnegie Libraries gradually slows down, and the focus shifts to maintaining and updating existing libraries to meet changing community needs.
Late 20th century to present: Many Carnegie Libraries undergo renovations, expansions, or repurposing to adapt to modern library services and technological advancements. Some continue to operate as public libraries, while others have been transformed into cultural centers, museums, community spaces, or educational institutions.

The Carnegie Libraries have left an indelible mark on the accessibility of knowledge and education. They remain a testament to Andrew Carnegie's belief in the power of libraries to uplift communities and provide opportunities for personal and intellectual growth.

The San Francisco cable car system is the world's last manually operated cable car system. The system was built in 1873 and is a National Historic Landmark. The cable cars are a popular tourist attraction and are featured in many movies and TV shows.

About Butte County

Butte County, located in Northern California, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Maidu and Konkow people. These tribes thrived in the fertile valleys and lush forests of the region, relying on hunting, gathering, and trading to sustain their communities.

In the mid-19th century, the California Gold Rush brought a wave of settlers and prospectors to Butte County. In 1849, gold was discovered along the Feather River, leading to a rapid influx of people seeking their fortunes. The town of Bidwell's Bar was established as one of the first mining camps in the area, attracting thousands of miners in search of gold. Other mining communities, such as Oroville and Cherokee, also emerged during this time.

As mining declined in the late 1800s, agriculture became the backbone of Butte County's economy. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it ideal for growing crops such as almonds, olives, and citrus. The establishment of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the late 1800s further facilitated agricultural growth, as it provided a means to transport goods to markets throughout California and beyond.

Butte County has faced various challenges throughout its history. In 2018, the Camp Fire, one of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in California's history, devastated the county, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. However, the community has shown resilience, coming together to support one another in the recovery and rebuilding process.

Today, Butte County is home to a vibrant mix of industries, including agriculture, education, healthcare, and tourism. With its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community, the county continues to thrive while preserving its rich historical heritage.

Butte County Timeline

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Butte County, California.

1850: Butte County is established on February 18 as one of the original counties of California.
1857: The town of Oroville is incorporated on January 3.
1862: The Bidwell Bar Bridge, the first suspension bridge in California, is completed over the Feather River.
1904: The Western Pacific Railroad reaches Oroville, linking the county to national railroad networks.
1968: The Oroville Dam, the tallest dam in the United States, is completed on the Feather River.
1987: The Honey Run Covered Bridge, a historic wooden covered bridge, is destroyed in a fire.
2018: The Camp Fire, the most destructive wildfire in California's history, devastates parts of Butte County.