National Register Listing

Albion Carnegie Library

a.k.a. Albion Public Library; BO02-006

437 S. 3rd St., Albion, NE
Local significance of the building:
Education

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2019.
  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.

education library
The Nebraska State Capitol building in Lincoln is one of the tallest state capitol buildings in the United States, standing at 400 feet tall.
Nebraska random facts
Boone County, located in Nebraska, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Pawnee and Omaha tribes, who relied on the fertile land for farming and hunting. However, the arrival of European settlers in the 1860s brought significant changes to the region.

In 1868, Boone County was officially established by the Nebraska Legislature, named after the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone. The early settlers faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions and conflicts with Native American tribes. Despite these difficulties, the pioneering spirit and determination of the settlers led to the establishment of towns such as Albion, Petersburg, and Primrose.

The development of transportation played a vital role in Boone County's history. In the late 19th century, the arrival of the railroad brought increased economic opportunities to the area. The railroad facilitated the transportation of goods and people, which in turn boosted agriculture and commerce in the county. The development of railroads also led to the growth of Albion, which became the county seat in 1873.

By the early 20th century, Boone County had become a thriving agricultural community, known for its production of corn, soybeans, and livestock. Technology and modernization further transformed the county in the mid-20th century, with the introduction of mechanized farming equipment and improved infrastructure.

Today, Boone County continues to be an important agricultural and rural community in Nebraska. Its history is preserved and celebrated through various museums, historical sites, and annual events, showcasing the enduring spirit and resilience of its early settlers.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Boone County, Nebraska.

  • 1858 - Boone County is established. It is named after Daniel Boone, a famous American frontiersman.
  • 1871 - Albion becomes the county seat of Boone County.
  • 1872 - The first courthouse is built in Albion.
  • 1880 - The railroad arrives in Boone County, bringing new opportunities for economic growth.
  • 1890 - The population of Boone County reaches its peak at over 10,000 residents.
  • 1904 - Boone County Fair is established, becoming an annual tradition.
  • 1935 - The Dust Bowl hits Boone County, causing severe drought and soil erosion.
  • 1963 - A new courthouse is built in Albion to replace the old one.
  • 1993 - The Boone County Historical Society is formed to preserve and showcase the county's history.
  • 2010 - The population of Boone County stands at approximately 5,500 residents.