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:

607 Broad Street, Rome, Georgia

( Marker is on Broad Street west of Riverside Parkway Northeast, on the right when traveling west.)

circa 1911

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 largest land battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Chickamauga, took place in Georgia in 1863. Over 34,000 Union and Confederate soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing in the battle.

About Floyd County

Floyd County, Georgia has a rich and varied history that spans several centuries. The area that is now Floyd County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee and Creek, who lived off the fertile land and abundant resources. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, and in 1832, the Cherokee were forcibly removed from their land in what became known as the Trail of Tears.

The county was officially established on December 3, 1832, and was named after General John Floyd, a military officer and politician. The city of Rome, which is the county seat, was founded soon after in 1834. The early economy of Floyd County was primarily fueled by agriculture, with cotton being the main cash crop. The county thrived and grew in population, attracting settlers from different parts of the country.

During the Civil War, Floyd County played a significant role as it was a strategic transportation hub with its access to railroads and proximity to the border between the Union and Confederate states. Many battles and skirmishes were fought in the area, and the city of Rome saw considerable destruction. After the war, the county went through a period of reconstruction and recovery.

In the 20th century, Floyd County experienced significant growth and development. The agricultural industry diversified, and other sectors, such as manufacturing and healthcare, began to thrive. Today, Floyd County is a vibrant community with a diverse population and a mix of urban and rural areas. It is known for its natural beauty, historical sites, and a strong sense of community pride.

Floyd County Timeline

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Floyd County, Georgia.

1803 - Floyd County is established as part of the Cherokee Nation's territory.
1832 - The Treaty of New Echota forces the Cherokee Nation to cede land to the United States, including Floyd County.
1833 - Floyd County is officially formed under the authority of the state of Georgia.
1838 - The Trail of Tears ensues as the Cherokee people are forcibly relocated westward. Some Cherokees from Floyd County are affected by this tragic event.
1861-1865 - Floyd County supports the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
1870s-1900s - The development of the railroad encourages economic growth and industrialization in Floyd County.
1917-1918 - Floyd County participates in World War I, with many residents serving in the military.
1930s - Great Depression impacts Floyd County, causing economic hardships for its residents.
1970s-1990s - Floyd County experiences population growth and urban development.
2000s - Floyd County continues to thrive, with a diverse economy, growing communities, and a strong sense of history and culture.