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 Building

Historical marker location:

412 West Miner Street, Yreka, California

( Marker is on West Miner Street, on the right 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.

California is home to the world's tallest tree, a coast redwood named Hyperion. The tree, which stands over 379 feet tall, was discovered in Redwood National Park in 2006.

About Siskiyou County

Siskiyou County, located in the northernmost part of California, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karuk, Modoc, and Shasta tribes, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for sustenance.

In the early 19th century, European settlement began in Siskiyou County with the arrival of trappers and fur traders. The region became an important center for trade and transportation, with pioneers using the Siskiyou Trail to travel between Oregon and California during the California Gold Rush. This trail was later expanded into a wagon road, connecting miners and settlers to the gold fields and fertile valleys of the county.

As settlements grew, Siskiyou County played a significant role in the formation of California as a state. In 1852, it became one of the original 27 counties when California was admitted to the United States. The county's name, derived from the Siskiyou Mountains that stretch through the area, reflects its rugged and mountainous landscape.

Throughout its history, Siskiyou County has faced challenges and experienced significant events. It witnessed conflicts between European settlers and Native Americans, such as the Modoc War in the late 19th century. The region also played a part in the logging industry during the 20th century, with timber being an important economic driver for the county.

Today, Siskiyou County is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the majestic Mount Shasta and the Klamath National Forest. It attracts outdoor enthusiasts and offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and skiing. The county continues to be an important agricultural area, with farming and ranching playing a vital role in its economy.

Siskiyou County Timeline

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

1850: Siskiyou County is established as one of the original counties in California.
1852: The county seat is established in Yreka.
1855: The county is named after the Siskiyou mountain range.
1869: The town of Dunsmuir is founded as a railroad hub.
1874: The city of Weed is established as a lumber town.
1887: The county courthouse in Yreka is completed.
1895: The county is heavily impacted by the "Great Blue Creek Fire" which lasts for several months.
1911: Mount Shasta City is incorporated.
1945: The Klamath River Dam is completed, providing hydroelectric power to the region.
1983: The town of Tulelake is incorporated.
2014: The Boles Fire destroys numerous homes and structures in the town of Weed.