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

Original Masonic Cornerstone of Carnegie Library

Historical marker location:

421 South McClelland Street, Santa Maria, California

( Marker is on South McClelland Street south of East Cook Street, on the right when traveling south.)

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.

California was the site of the nation's first successful oil well in 1892. The well was drilled in the city of Los Angeles and produced about 25 barrels of oil a day. Today, California remains a major oil-producing state.

About Santa Barbara County

Located along the central coast of California, Santa Barbara County has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The region was originally home to the Chumash people, who thrived on the abundant natural resources found in the area. Spanish explorers arrived in the late 18th century, with the first European settlement established in 1782 by the expedition led by Spanish soldier José Francisco Ortega. The settlement, named Presidio Real de Santa Bárbara, served as a military outpost and mission.

In the early 19th century, Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the region became part of Mexico. However, after the Mexican-American War in 1848, Santa Barbara County became part of the United States. With the discovery of gold in Northern California, Santa Barbara experienced growth as a transportation hub for those seeking their fortunes. Agriculture also played a significant role in the county's development during this period, with the establishment of vineyards and farms.

The 20th century brought further economic growth to Santa Barbara County, primarily driven by oil and tourism. The discovery of oil in the region led to the establishment of the first offshore oil well in 1896, and the industry continued to flourish throughout the century. The growth of tourism was fueled by the county's natural beauty, including its beaches and the Santa Ynez Mountains, attracting visitors seeking a coastal getaway. Notably, the region has also been recognized for its role in the development of environmental protection and restoration initiatives.

In more recent times, Santa Barbara County has faced challenges as well. In 1969, an offshore oil platform experienced a catastrophic blowout, resulting in a massive oil spill that had a devastating impact on the local environment. The incident played a significant role in shaping the county's environmental policies. Additionally, the county has experienced several devastating wildfires and droughts, highlighting the ongoing need for robust disaster preparedness and management.

Today, Santa Barbara County is known for its thriving wine industry, beautiful coastline, and vibrant cultural scene. The county continues to evolve, with a focus on sustainable development, preserving its natural resources, and maintaining its unique historical charm.

Santa Barbara County Timeline

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

Chumash Indians inhabited the region for thousands of years before the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century.
In 1769, Gaspar de Portolà established the Presidio of Santa Barbara as a Spanish military outpost.
In 1782, Mission Santa Barbara was founded by Franciscan friars as the 10th mission in California.
Santa Barbara was part of Mexico after gaining independence from Spain in 1821.
In 1848, following the Mexican-American War, Santa Barbara County became part of the United States.
The California Gold Rush brought an influx of settlers to the region in the mid-1800s.
In 1850, Santa Barbara became one of the original 27 counties of California upon statehood.
Oil was discovered in the county in the 1890s, leading to an economic boom.
The Santa Barbara earthquake struck in 1925, causing widespread damage to the city.
In the mid-20th century, Santa Barbara became a popular tourist destination and a hub for aerospace and defense industries.