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:

194 Spring Street, Eureka Springs, Arkansas

( Marker is on Spring Street west of Hillside Avenue, on the right when traveling west.)

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.

Arkansas has a rich Native American history, with numerous tribes including the Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw living in the region for thousands of years before European settlement. The Trail of Tears, which was the forced relocation of Native American tribes from the southeastern United States to Oklahoma, also passed through Arkansas.

About Carroll County

Carroll County, Arkansas, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage, Caddo, and Cherokee, who were attracted to the region's abundant natural resources. The first European exploration of the area came in the late 1700s, with French and Spanish explorers venturing through the region.

In the early 19th century, white settlers began to arrive in Carroll County, attracted by the fertile land and potential for farming. The region became part of the Arkansas Territory in 1819 and was officially organized as Carroll County in 1833. The county was named after Charles Carroll, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

During the Civil War, Carroll County witnessed significant action as it straddled the Union and Confederate frontier. The Battle of Pea Ridge in 1862, fought in nearby Benton County, played a crucial role in securing the region for the Union. Despite being mostly pro-Confederate prior to the war, the majority of Carroll County's residents ultimately supported the Union during the conflict.

After the war, Carroll County experienced a period of growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in 1882 boosted the local economy, facilitating trade and transportation. The county became known for its timber and mining industries, attracting immigrants from various European countries. Today, Carroll County is a vibrant community that cherishes its history while embracing progress and development.

Carroll County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Carroll County, Arkansas.

1833: Carroll County, Arkansas is officially established by the Arkansas Territorial Legislature.
1834: The county seat is established in the town of Carrollton.
1836: The first courthouse is erected in Carrollton.
1861: On the eve of the American Civil War, Carroll County is divided into pro-Union and pro-Confederate factions.
1865: The Civil War ends and Carroll County begins to rebuild.
1875: The railroad reaches Carroll County, bringing new opportunities for commerce and trade.
1888: Eureka Springs, a popular tourist destination, is established in Carroll County.
1901: The current courthouse in Berryville is completed, replacing the one in Carrollton.
1962: Beaver Lake is created by the construction of Beaver Dam, providing a recreational area for residents and visitors.
1985: The historic downtown district of Eureka Springs is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
2000: Carroll County's population reaches over 25,000 people.