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:

800 12th Street, Paso Robles, California

( Marker can be reached from the intersection of 12th Street and Park Street, on the left when traveling west.)

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 state's name is derived from a novel called "Las Sergas de Esplandián," which was published in 1510. The book, written by Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo, tells the story of a mythical island called California that is ruled by Queen Calafia and is said to be filled with gold and precious stones.

About San Luis Obispo County

San Luis Obispo County is located in central California and has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The county is home to numerous Native American tribes who thrived in the region for centuries before the arrival of Spanish explorers. The Native American Chumash people lived in the area and were known for their sophisticated culture and trade networks.

In 1769, Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portola led an expedition through the region, establishing the first European presence in what is now San Luis Obispo County. The Spanish established missions along the California coast, including Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, which was founded in 1772. The mission played a significant role in the region's history, attracting settlers and serving as an agricultural hub.

During the 19th century, San Luis Obispo County experienced rapid growth with the discovery of gold in the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains. The county became an important stop on the journey to the gold fields, and the population boomed. Agriculture, particularly the dairy industry, also played a crucial role in the county's development during this time.

In the 20th century, San Luis Obispo County continued to grow and evolve. The completion of Highway 101 in the 1930s and the establishment of California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo in 1901 further contributed to the area's growth. Today, the county is known for its diverse landscapes, including stunning coastline, rolling hills, and charming small towns, making it a popular destination for tourists and residents alike.

San Luis Obispo County Timeline

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of San Luis Obispo County, California.

1769 - Spanish explorers arrive in the region
1772 - Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is founded
1821 - Mexican War of Independence leads to Mexican control of the area
1842 - San Luis Obispo becomes a Mexican Pueblo
1848 - Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War, transferring the area to the United States
1850 - San Luis Obispo County is established
1864 - Pacific Coast Railway arrives in San Luis Obispo
1923 - Highway 1 is completed, connecting San Luis Obispo County to the rest of California's coast
1934 - Diablo Canyon Power Plant begins operation
1985 - Cal Poly's San Luis Obispo campus becomes the largest employer in the county