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:

424 E State St, Pendleton, Indiana

( Marker is at the intersection of East State Street and High Street, on the right when traveling east on East State Street.)

Town of Pendleton

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Indiana.

The first public demonstration of the electric light bulb was given by Thomas Edison in Menlo Park, New Jersey, but the first practical incandescent light bulb was invented by Lewis Howard Latimer, who was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, but lived in Indiana for a time. Latimer was also the first African American to be employed as an engineer by the U.S. Patent Office.

About Madison County

Madison County, located in central Indiana, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1823. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Delaware and Miami, who lived off the land and its abundant resources. In the early 1800s, European settlers began to arrive, eventually leading to the formation of Madison County.

The county's growth was greatly influenced by its geographic location. Its proximity to the White River, which provided transportation and trade opportunities, attracted early settlers and contributed to the development of the county's economy. Agriculture became the primary industry, with farmers cultivating crops such as corn, wheat, and livestock. The advent of the railroad in the mid-19th century further boosted Madison County's economy and facilitated the transportation of goods.

During the American Civil War, Madison County played a significant role. Many men from the area volunteered to join the Union Army, and local industries supported the war effort by producing supplies and equipment. After the war, the county experienced a period of industrialization and urbanization. The city of Anderson became the center of industry, with the emergence of manufacturing plants, including automotive, glass, and steel companies.

In the 20th century, Madison County faced ups and downs. The Great Depression had a significant impact on the local economy, leading to an increase in unemployment rates. However, the county rebounded during World War II with the production of war-related goods. In the post-war era, Madison County underwent suburbanization, with population growth and the expansion of residential areas. Today, the county continues to evolve, embracing new opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, education, and recreation while appreciating and preserving its historic roots.

Madison County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Madison County, Indiana.

1818: Madison County, Indiana is established.
1824: The town of Anderson is founded.
1850: The first railroad is constructed in Madison County, boosting industrial growth.
1861-1865: Madison County residents actively participate in the Civil War.
1887: The natural gas boom leads to a rapid economic expansion in the county.
1893: The Madison County Courthouse is completed.
1900: The City of Elwood is incorporated.
1912: Alexandria is established as a city.
1929-1945: The Great Depression and World War II have significant impacts on the county.
1960: The population of Madison County reaches its peak.
1971: Madison County Historical Society is founded.
1994: Anderson University achieves university status.