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:

300 North 16th Street, Clarinda, Iowa

( Marker is at the intersection of 16th Street / Glenn Miller Avenue and Chestnut Street, on the left when traveling north on 16th Street / Glenn Miller Avenue.)

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.

Iowa was part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, but it wasn't until 1833 that the first permanent settlement was established in what is now the city of Burlington.

About Page County

Page County, Iowa is a county steeped in rich history and heritage. It was originally established in 1841 and named after Captain John Page, a veteran of the War of 1812. The county was officially organized in 1851, and its first county seat was established in the town of Clarinda. However, due to its proximity to the Nodaway River, which often caused flooding, the county seat was moved to its current location in the town of Shenandoah in 1871.

During the mid-19th century, Page County, like many other areas in Iowa, experienced a growth in population and agricultural development. The rich and fertile soil in the area attracted settlers who engaged in farming, particularly livestock and grain production. The county also became an important center for milling and manufacturing, with numerous mills and factories popping up throughout the region.

Page County played a significant role during the Civil War, with many of its residents volunteering to fight for the Union side. The town of Clarinda served as a recruiting and training center for soldiers. In fact, Page County raised two companies that served in the famed Iowa 12th Infantry Regiment, which participated in several major battles including Shiloh, Vicksburg, and Atlanta.

In the 20th century, Page County saw both growth and challenges. The advent of railroads brought increased opportunities for trade and transportation, spurring economic development. However, like many rural areas, the county also faced challenges such as the Great Depression and the subsequent changes in agricultural practices. Today, Page County is a vibrant community that values its history while looking towards the future with a focus on education, healthcare, and agriculture.

Page County Timeline

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Page County, Iowa.

1833: The area that is now Page County was included in the Platte Purchase, land acquired by the United States from the Native American tribes.
1841: The first recorded white settlers, William and Mariah Parker, arrived in what is now Page County.
1843: The county was officially established on February 24, named after Captain John Page, a veteran of the War of 1812.
1853: The town of Clarinda was founded and became the county seat.
1869: The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad reached Clarinda, boosting the local economy.
1878: The Friendship Home for African American orphans was established in Clarinda, becoming a nationally recognized institution.
1890s: Page County experienced an agricultural boom, with farmers specializing in corn, wheat, hogs, and cattle.
1930s: The Great Depression hit Page County hard, leading to significant economic challenges.
1942: The Clarinda Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison, was established in Clarinda.
1980s: Page County began diversifying its economy, focusing on industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education.
1992: Maryville, Missouri, experienced severe flooding, and residents of Maryville were evacuated to Clarinda.
2008: The city of Shenandoah celebrated its sesquicentennial, marking 150 years since its founding.