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:

200 Mathews Street, Fort Collins, Colorado

( Marker is on Mathews Street, on the right when traveling north.)

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 first documented discovery of gold in Colorado was in 1858, when a group of prospectors found gold near present-day Denver. This discovery led to the Pike's Peak Gold Rush and a population boom in the area.

About Larimer County

Larimer County, located in northern Colorado, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. Native American tribes such as the Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne initially occupied the region, relying on the abundant natural resources for their livelihoods. The area became part of the United States following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and later the Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1851.

In the mid-19th century, the Colorado Territory was established, and Larimer County was officially founded in 1861. It was named after General William Larimer Jr., a prominent figure in the early settlement of Denver. The county's first settlements were primarily mining communities, attracted by the discovery of gold in the nearby Cache la Poudre River. However, as the gold rush declined, agriculture took center stage in the region.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought significant development to Larimer County. The arrival of the Colorado Central Railroad in the 1870s spurred economic growth and facilitated the transportation of goods. The county's population steadily increased, and towns like Fort Collins and Loveland thrived. Agriculture became the backbone of the local economy, with sugar beet farming, cattle ranching, and dairy production becoming major industries.

Larimer County also played a role in the conservation and preservation movement in the early 20th century. The establishment of Rocky Mountain National Park in 1915 brought attention to the county's natural beauty and led to an increase in tourism and outdoor recreation. Today, Larimer County continues to embrace its heritage while also experiencing dynamic growth in areas such as technology, education, and outdoor industries. It remains a vibrant and diverse community with a deep appreciation for its history and natural surroundings.

Larimer County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Larimer County, Colorado.

1800 - Native American tribes, including the Arapaho and Cheyenne, inhabit the area now known as Larimer County.
1820 - Fur trappers and traders start exploring the region, establishing early contact with Native American tribes.
1858 - Gold is discovered in the area, leading to a gold rush and the establishment of numerous mining camps.
1861 - Larimer County is officially established as one of the original counties in the Colorado Territory.
1875 - Fort Collins is founded as an agricultural colony and becomes the county seat.
1881 - The Colorado Central Railroad reaches Fort Collins, stimulating further growth and development in the county.
1901 - The Colorado Agricultural College (now Colorado State University) is established in Fort Collins.
1930s - The construction of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project brings water from the west slope of the Colorado Rockies to Larimer County, enabling agricultural expansion.
1990 - The City of Loveland becomes the second-largest city in Larimer County, surpassing Fort Collins in population.
2000 - Larimer County's population reaches over 250,000, reflecting significant growth and development in the area.