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

Deadwood's Carnegie Library

Historical marker location:

435 Williams Street, Deadwood, South Dakota

( Marker is at the intersection of Williams Street and Denver Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Williams Street.)

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 Black Hills of South Dakota are considered sacred by many Native American tribes, and were the subject of a long-standing land dispute between the U.S. government and the Sioux Nation.

About Lawrence County

Lawrence County is a county located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. It was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho. The area later became an important location during the gold rush in the late 19th century. In 1874, General George Armstrong Custer led an expedition to the region, which resulted in the discovery of gold in French Creek. This led to a surge of miners and settlers arriving in the area, thus marking the beginning of a rapid development.

The county was officially established on January 11, 1875, with the city of Deadwood serving as the county seat. Deadwood quickly became a thriving and notorious frontier town, attracting gamblers, outlaws, and pioneers. The city's population rapidly grew, and it soon became a center for mining and commerce. Numerous gold mines were established in the area, producing large amounts of gold and silver.

However, Lawrence County faced its fair share of challenges. In 1876, the county experienced the infamous event known as the "Deadwood Gulch Fire," which resulted in the destruction of a significant portion of the town. Despite this setback, Deadwood quickly rebuilt and continued to thrive.

Today, Lawrence County remains an important part of South Dakota's history and economy. It is known for its rich mining heritage and the historic preservation of sites like Mount Moriah Cemetery, which is the final resting place of notable figures such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. The county continues to attract visitors from all over the world who are fascinated by its wild west history and breathtaking landscapes.

Lawrence County Timeline

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

1874: Lawrence County is established, named after John Lawrence, a leading citizen and state legislator.
1876: Gold is discovered in the Black Hills, leading to a gold rush in the area and the establishment of mining towns like Deadwood and Lead.
1877: Deadwood becomes a prominent center for mining and trade, attracting entrepreneurs and notorious figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.
1877-1879: The Black Hills are the site of conflicts between Lakota Sioux Native Americans and the United States government, following the discovery of gold on Native American territory.
1883: The Homestake Mine in Lead becomes one of the largest gold mines in the world, attracting thousands of miners and contributing to the growth of Lawrence County.
1889: South Dakota becomes a state, with Lawrence County being one of the original counties.
1892: The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally begins, bringing thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts and tourists to Lawrence County each year.
20th century: The mining industry experiences periods of growth and decline, impacting the economy and population of Lawrence County.
1976: The Black Hills Flood devastates many communities in Lawrence County, causing extensive damage and loss of life.
21st century: Lawrence County continues to be a hub for outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and hunting.