National Register Listing

Carnegie Library

Jct. of Bellevue, Academy, and Jackson Sts., Dublin, GA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
  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 National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture social history library
The city of Savannah, Georgia was the first planned city in America. It was laid out in a grid pattern with squares for public use, and this design was later copied by other cities throughout the country.
Georgia random facts
Laurens County, Georgia, has a rich and diverse history dating back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Creek and Cherokee Native American tribes. The arrival of European settlers in the late 18th century brought about significant change. The county was officially created in 1807 and named in honor of Henry Laurens, a South Carolina statesman and the president of the Continental Congress.

During the antebellum period, Laurens County witnessed the growth of agriculture, particularly cotton production, and the corresponding rise in slave labor. The region's fertile lands and proximity to major trade routes facilitated the establishment of plantations and the development of a strong plantation economy. The county remained heavily reliant on slave labor until the end of the Civil War.

Following the Civil War, Laurens County embarked on a slow process of recovery and reconstruction. Agriculture continued to be a dominant force in the local economy, but cotton production declined over time. The county experienced periods of economic prosperity and decline throughout the 20th century, impacted by various factors such as the boll weevil infestation, economic recessions, and changes in farming practices.

In recent decades, Laurens County has witnessed significant growth and development. The county has diversified its economy beyond agriculture, attracting industries such as manufacturing, distribution, and healthcare. It has also seen an increase in population and the expansion of infrastructure and amenities. Today, Laurens County stands as a vibrant and dynamic community that celebrates its rich history while embracing the opportunities of the future.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Laurens County, Georgia.

  • 1807 - Laurens County is established
  • Early 19th century - The county experiences rapid population growth
  • 1831 - The city of Dublin is incorporated
  • 1861-1865 - Laurens County sends soldiers to fight in the American Civil War
  • Late 19th century - The county thrives as a leading producer of naval stores and agricultural products
  • 1892 - The Dublin Cotton Mill is established, bringing industrialization to the area
  • 20th century - Laurens County continues to develop economically and socially
  • 1940s-1950s - The military plays a significant role in the county's economy during World War II and the Korean War
  • 1972 - The Oconee Fall Line Technical College opens in Dublin
  • Present - Laurens County remains a vibrant and growing community in Georgia