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

Gilroy Carnegie Library

Historical marker location:

195 Fifth St, Gilroy, California

( Marker is at the intersection of Fifth Street and Church St when traveling west on Fifth Street.)

Marker installed: 1988

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 has the largest economy of any state in the U.S. and the fifth largest economy in the world. The state's GDP in 2021 was $3.2 trillion, which is larger than the GDP of many countries, including Canada, Russia, and Australia.

About Santa Clara County

Santa Clara County, located in California's Silicon Valley, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by the Ohlone Native Americans, who lived along the coast and in the Santa Clara Valley, practicing a hunter-gatherer lifestyle and utilizing the area's abundant resources.

The arrival of Spanish explorers in the late 18th century brought significant changes to the region. In 1777, the Mission Santa Clara de Asís was established as part of the Spanish mission system. The mission played a central role in the development of the area, introducing agriculture, European-style architecture, and Christianity. The mission's influence extended to the establishment of Santa Clara College, now known as Santa Clara University, in 1851.

The California Gold Rush in the mid-19th century had a profound impact on Santa Clara County. The discovery of gold in nearby areas brought a flood of prospectors to the region, leading to a rapid population increase. The county experienced an economic boom as a result, with agriculture, particularly fruit orchards and vineyards, becoming a significant industry.

By the late 20th century, Santa Clara County had transformed into an economic powerhouse, earning the moniker "Silicon Valley." The invention of the microchip and the subsequent growth of the technology industry in the 1960s and 1970s laid the foundation for the region's high-tech success. Companies like Intel, Apple, and Google established their headquarters in Santa Clara County, fueling innovation and leading to advancements in computer technology and electronics.

Today, Santa Clara County continues to be at the forefront of technological advancements, with numerous tech companies, research institutions, and startups calling the region home. Despite the modernization and urban development, the county still retains its natural beauty, with its diverse landscapes, such as the Santa Cruz Mountains and the picturesque coastline, providing a backdrop to its ever-evolving history.

Santa Clara County Timeline

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

1770 - Spanish explorer, Gaspar de Portolá, discovers the Santa Clara Valley
1777 - The Mission Santa Clara de Asís is established
1822 - Mexico gains independence from Spain, and Santa Clara County becomes part of Mexico
1846 - The Bear Flag Revolt takes place in California, and Santa Clara County becomes part of the United States
1850 - California becomes a state, and Santa Clara County is officially recognized
1851 - San Jose becomes the first incorporated city in the county
1861 - Construction of the western portion of the First Transcontinental Telegraph line is completed, passing through Santa Clara County
1871 - Leland Stanford, one of the "Big Four" railroad tycoons, founds Stanford University in Santa Clara County
1941 - Moffett Federal Airfield is built by the U.S. Navy in Santa Clara County
1955 - The first high-tech company, Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory, is established in Santa Clara County, leading to the area becoming known as Silicon Valley