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

Greenup Township Carnegie Library

Historical marker location:

101 N Mill St, Greenup, Illinois

( Marker is on West Cumberland Street (Illinois Route 121) near North Mill Street, 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.

The Chicago River was famously dyed green for the first time in 1962 to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The tradition has continued every year since then, and now the river is dyed green for the holiday using an eco-friendly vegetable dye.

About Cumberland County

Cumberland County, IL has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kickapoo and Shawnee, who relied on hunting and agriculture for sustenance. European settlers began arriving in the early 1800s, primarily from Kentucky and Tennessee, and gradually established permanent settlements.

In 1843, Cumberland County was officially established and named after the Cumberland Road, an important transportation route that ran through the county. The county seat, Toledo, was chosen and soon became a hub for trade and commerce in the region. Agriculture played a vital role in the early economy, with settlers cultivating crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Cumberland County experienced periods of growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further connected the county to other parts of Illinois and facilitated the transportation of goods and people.

In the early 20th century, Cumberland County saw an increase in oil drilling activity, which brought economic prosperity to the area. Numerous oil wells were drilled, and the industry became a significant part of the county's economy. Today, Cumberland County continues to be primarily rural, with agriculture as the main industry, while also embracing modern developments in technology and industry.

Cumberland County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cumberland County, Illinois.

1818: Cumberland County is established as part of the Illinois Territory.
1820: First permanent settlers arrive in the county.
1826: The first county courthouse is built in Toledo.
1852: County seat is moved from Toledo to Greenup.
1858: The Charleston and Mattoon Railroad is completed, improving transportation in the county.
1861-1865: Cumberland County residents serve in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
1872: Cumberland County suffers from a devastating tornado outbreak.
1906: Oil is discovered in the county, leading to a boom in oil production.
1930s: The Great Depression impacts the county's economy.
1946: Cumberland County Memorial Airport is opened.
1950s-1970s: The county experiences a decline in population due to economic changes.
1990s-2000s: Agriculture becomes the dominant industry in Cumberland County.