National Register Listing

Olney Carnegie Library

a.k.a. Carnegie Building Museum

401 E. Main St., Olney, IL
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
  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 National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

education architecture library
Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo was founded in 1868, making it one of the oldest zoos in the United States. The zoo originally housed a pair of swans, but it has since grown to house over 1,000 animals from around the world.
Illinois random facts
Richland County, located in southeastern Illinois, has a rich history dating back to its settlement in the early 19th century. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and the Miami, who relied on the region's fertile soils and abundant wildlife. European settlement began in the early 1800s, as pioneers from Kentucky and other nearby states arrived in search of land and opportunity.

In 1841, Richland County was officially established, taking its name from the fertile soil that attracted settlers to the area. The county's early economy revolved around agriculture, with crops like corn, wheat, and tobacco playing a crucial role in the local economy. The construction of railroads in the late 19th century further facilitated agricultural development and led to the growth of small towns such as Olney, the county seat.

Throughout its history, Richland County has faced various challenges and witnessed notable events. The county experienced economic booms and busts, influenced by factors such as changes in agricultural practices and the Great Depression. The discovery of oil in the late 1930s provided a significant boost to the county's economy and led to a rise in oil drilling and production.

Today, Richland County remains closely tied to its agricultural roots. While the county has experienced fluctuations in population and economic activity, it continues to be a vibrant community with a strong sense of rural identity. In addition to its agricultural heritage, Richland County also offers recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, with several parks and lakes to explore.

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

  • Prehistoric times: Richland County area inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Miami.
  • 1811: First European settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1841: Richland County officially established as a county.
  • 1854: Olney, the county seat, is incorporated as a city.
  • 1861-1865: Richland County residents serve in the American Civil War.
  • 1871: Olney College opens its doors to students.
  • 1901: Oil is discovered in Richland County, leading to a boom in the local economy.
  • 1923: The Richland County Courthouse, designed by architect Joseph Royer, is completed.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression causes economic hardships in the county.
  • 1940s: Richland County residents contribute to World War II efforts.
  • 1963: The Carnegie Library in Olney is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2003: The Musgrove Aquatic Center opens in Olney, providing a recreational facility for residents.