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:

302 2nd Avenue East, Kalispell, Montana

( Marker is on 2nd Avenue East near 3rd Street East, on the left when traveling south.)

East Side Historic District

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 Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through Montana in 1805-1806, on their journey to explore the western portion of the United States. They traveled up the Missouri River and crossed the Rocky Mountains, encountering many Native American tribes and documenting the flora and fauna of the region.

About Flathead County

Flathead County, Montana is located in the northwest corner of the state and is named after the Flathead Native American Tribe. The county's history stretches back thousands of years, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 10,000 years. The Native American tribes, including the Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d'Oreille, were the first inhabitants of the area and had a deep connection to the land.

In the 1800s, the arrival of European explorers and fur traders began to shape the county's history. The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through the region in 1806 while exploring the American West. The fur trade brought further European settlement, and the construction of Fort Owen in 1850 marked the beginning of permanent Euro-American presence in Flathead County.

The mid- to late 1800s saw an influx of settlers drawn to the area's natural resources, including its vast timber reserves and agricultural potential. Mining also became an important industry, with the discovery of gold and silver deposits in the region. The construction of railroads like the Great Northern Railway in the late 19th century further fueled economic growth and brought more people to the county.

In the 20th century, Flathead County continued to develop and modernize. The establishment of Glacier National Park in 1910 increased tourism in the area, bringing visitors from around the world to enjoy the stunning natural landscapes. Agriculture remained a vital industry, with wheat, barley, and dairy farming playing significant roles in the county's economy. Today, Flathead County is a thriving community with a diverse economy, serving as a major hub for outdoor recreation, tourism, and a gateway to the beautiful wilderness of Northwestern Montana.

Flathead County Timeline

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

1872 - Flathead County is established.
1891 - Kalispell is incorporated as the county seat.
1904 - Glacier National Park is established.
1933 - Great Depression hits the county hard, leading to economic struggles.
1942 - Flathead County is impacted by World War II, with the establishment of Flathead Army Air Field.
1970s - The county experiences population growth and development.
1980 - The Great Northern Railway Depot in Kalispell is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
1995 - The Hungry Horse Dam, a major hydroelectric project, is completed.
2003 - The county is affected by the Hayman Fire, which burns a large area of forest.
2017 - Flathead County celebrates its 145th anniversary since its establishment.