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:

210 North Limestone Street, Gaffney, South Carolina

( Marker is on North Limestone Street (State Highway 150), on the right when traveling north.)

Marker installed: 2001

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.

South Carolina was one of the original thirteen colonies that declared independence from Great Britain in 1776. However, it was also the first state to secede from the United States in 1860, which ultimately led to the Civil War.

About Cherokee County

Cherokee County, located in the state of South Carolina, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Catawba nations. European settlers first arrived in the 18th century, and the county was officially established in 1897.

During the American Revolutionary War, Cherokee County was a focal point of conflict between Native American tribes and European colonists. The infamous Battle of Musgrove Mill took place in this area in 1780, as American Patriots successfully defended against a British and Loyalist attack, marking a turning point in the war.

The 19th century brought significant changes to Cherokee County, as the region became known for its mineral resources. The discovery of gold in the 1820s attracted many prospectors, leading to a boom in mining activities. However, the Civil War in the 1860s disrupted the mining industry, causing economic hardships for the county.

In the decades following the Civil War, Cherokee County experienced a period of economic revival. The textile industry became the driving force behind the county's growth, with numerous mills and factories established throughout the area. This industrialization brought jobs and prosperity to the region, contributing to its development and shaping its identity as an industrial hub.

Today, Cherokee County remains a place of historical importance, with sites such as the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail and Cowpens National Battlefield preserving the area's Revolutionary War heritage. The county continues to adapt and evolve, balancing its industrial past with efforts to promote tourism, preserve its natural beauty, and provide opportunities for its residents.

Cherokee County Timeline

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Cherokee County, South Carolina.

The Cherokee people inhabited the area that would later become Cherokee County.
1768: The Treaty of Hard Labor signed, resulting in the Cherokee ceding their lands in the region to the British.
1777: The area became part of the Ninety-Six District in South Carolina.
1791: Cherokee County was established as part of the larger Ninety-Six District.
1828: Gold was discovered in Cherokee County, leading to a gold rush in the region.
1830: The Indian Removal Act was passed, resulting in the forced removal of the Cherokee people from their ancestral lands.
1838-1839: The Trail of Tears, the forced relocation of the Cherokee people to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma), resulted in the displacement and suffering of thousands of Cherokee.
1897: The town of Gaffney was incorporated.
1899: Cherokee County's first textile mill, Gaffney Manufacturing Company, began operations.
1937: Cherokee County's most iconic landmark, the Peachoid water tower, was constructed in Gaffney.
Today, Cherokee County is a thriving community with a diverse economy and a rich cultural heritage.