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

Carnegie Library

Historical marker location:

260 Sixth Street, Colusa, California

( Marker is at the intersection of 6th Street and Jay Street, on the right when traveling south on 6th Street.)

Marker installed: 1981

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.

During World War II, California was home to several important military installations, including Naval Station Pearl Harbor and the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The state's aircraft manufacturing industry also played a crucial role in the war effort.

About Colusa County

Colusa County, located in the heart of the Sacramento Valley in Northern California, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by the indigenous Patwin people, who thrived off the abundant natural resources of the area. The arrival of Spanish explorers in the late 18th century marked the beginning of European influence in Colusa County.

In the early 19th century, Mexican ranchos were established in the region, including the Colus Rancho. John Bidwell, a prominent pioneer in California, later purchased a portion of this rancho and became a significant figure in the social and economic development of the county.

The California Gold Rush brought a wave of settlers to Colusa County in the mid-1800s, seeking their fortune in the numerous gold mines in the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains. With the discovery of gold, many small towns and settlements sprung up across the county, catering to the needs of miners and offering various services. The bounty of the Feather River and the Sacramento Valley also attracted agriculture and livestock production, which became significant sources of wealth in the region.

As the county developed, it went through various economic boom and bust cycles. The establishment of the California Pacific Railroad in the late 19th century further boosted Colusa County's growth, facilitating trade and transportation in the area. Today, agriculture remains a major industry in the county, with crops such as almonds, rice, and tomatoes being significant contributors to the local economy.

Throughout its history, Colusa County has maintained its strong agricultural heritage while also embracing modern developments. It continues to be a picturesque region, boasting natural beauty, historic landmarks, and a close-knit community that values its rich history.

Colusa County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Colusa County, California.

1850: Colusa County is established as one of the original 27 counties in California.
1852: The city of Colusa is founded.
1853: The county seat is officially moved from Monroeville to Colusa.
1871: The Colusa Sun newspaper is established, becoming the oldest continuously published weekly newspaper in California.
1880: The Colusa County Courthouse is constructed.
1941: The Sacramento River floods Colusa County, causing significant damage to farms and homes.
1986: Colusa Casino Resort opens, becoming a popular local attraction.
1998: The Colusa National Wildlife Refuge is established, providing habitat for migratory birds.
2000: The population of Colusa County reaches its peak at over 22,000 residents.
2018: The Camp Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in California history, affects some parts of Colusa County.