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:

125 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens, Michigan

( Marker is at the intersection of Macomb Place and Southbound Gratiot Avenue (Michigan Highway 3), on the right when traveling south on Macomb Place.)

Marker installed: 1978

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 name "Michigan" comes from the Ojibwe word "mishigamaa," which means "large water" or "large lake." This refers to Lake Michigan, which is one of the five Great Lakes that border the state.

About Macomb County

Macomb County, located in southeastern Michigan, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ojibwe, Ottawa, and Potawatomi. French fur traders arrived in the 17th century and established trading posts along the Detroit River, initiating the European presence in the region.

During the 1800s, Macomb County experienced significant growth due to its strategic position near the Great Lakes and the development of transportation infrastructure. The county was officially established in 1818 and named after Alexander Macomb, a prominent military leader during the War of 1812. In the mid-19th century, the construction of canals and railroads further stimulated economic growth, attracting settlers from across the country.

The region played a pivotal role in the automotive industry's early development, with the founding of the Dodge Brothers Company in 1900 by Horace and John Dodge. As the automobile industry flourished in the early 20th century, numerous other automotive companies established their presence in Macomb County, leading to a surge in population and economic prosperity. In particular, the city of Warren became an important industrial hub.

In recent decades, Macomb County has experienced significant urbanization and suburban growth. Many manufacturing plants have transitioned into more diversified industries, such as technology and healthcare. The county also continues to be an essential political battleground in Michigan and the United States, as it has often reflected national voting trends in elections. Today, Macomb County remains a thriving community with a diverse population and a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Macomb County Timeline

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Macomb County, Michigan.

1701: French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac establishes Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit, which includes areas of present-day Macomb County.
1762: Treaty of Fontainebleau transfers the land to British control after France cedes it at the end of the French and Indian War.
1783: The Treaty of Paris ends the American Revolution, and the land comes under American control as part of the Northwest Territory.
1796: Wayne County is created, encompassing present-day Macomb County.
1818: Macomb County is established as a separate county from Wayne County.
1835: Mount Clemens is designated as the county seat.
1837: Michigan becomes a state, and Macomb County is part of the new state.
1838: The first courthouse is constructed in Mount Clemens.
1861-1865: Macomb County residents participate in the American Civil War.
1920s: Macomb County experiences significant growth due to automobile manufacturing and the automotive industry's overall expansion.
1980s: The county becomes a major force in the defense industry with the presence of Selfridge Air National Guard Base and other defense-related facilities.
2005: Macomb County celebrates its bicentennial.