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

New Albany's Carnegie Library

Historical marker location:

201 East Spring Street, New Albany, Indiana

( Marker is on East Spring Street west of East 3rd Street, on the right when traveling west.)

Marker installed: 2005

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 first European settlement in Indiana was established by the French in 1732 at Vincennes, in the southwestern part of the state.

About Floyd County

Floyd County, Indiana has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area originally served as a hunting ground for Native American tribes, such as the Shawnee and Miami. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive, with John Floyd being one of the first settlers in the area. The county was officially established in 1819 and named in his honor.

The county played an important role during the early years of the United States. It served as a major transportation hub along the Ohio River, connecting the Eastern states with the expanding Western frontier. The town of New Albany, located in Floyd County, became a bustling port and industrial center, attracting immigrants and entrepreneurs from around the world. The county's proximity to Louisville, Kentucky, also contributed to its growth and development.

During the 19th century, Floyd County experienced significant economic growth, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and shipping industries. The county became known for its thriving steamboat business, as well as its production of steam engines, furniture, whiskey, and tobacco. The advent of the railroad further enhanced transportation and trade opportunities, allowing for increased economic prosperity.

Floyd County has also witnessed its fair share of historical events. It was impacted by the Civil War, serving as a strategic location for both Union and Confederate forces. The Battle of Corydon, the only battle fought in Indiana during the war, took place in Floyd County in 1863. In more recent history, the county has seen periods of growth, decline, and revitalization. Today, Floyd County remains a vibrant community, known for its historical charm, natural beauty, and strong sense of community.

Floyd County Timeline

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

1800 - Floyd County is established on January 2, 1800.
1811 - John James Audubon, the famous ornithologist, arrives in the area.
1829 - The town of New Albany is founded.
1844 - The Louisville, New Albany and Salem Railroad is completed, connecting the county to other major cities.
1863 - During the American Civil War, New Albany becomes an important supply center for the Union Army.
1873 - Carnegie Library is constructed in New Albany, providing educational resources to the community.
1893 - The Louisville and Jeffersonville Bridge (later known as the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge) is completed, enhancing transportation between Floyd County and Kentucky.
1929 - The Great Depression impacts the county's economy, leading to significant financial challenges.
1964 - Interstate 64 is completed, further improving transportation infrastructure in the county.
2000 - Historic preservation efforts are strengthened, leading to the recognition and restoration of many historic buildings in New Albany.