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

Langston Hughes and the Carnegie Library

Historical marker location:

200 9th Street, Lawrence, Kansas

( Marker is at the intersection of 9th Street and Vermont Street, on the right when traveling west on 9th Street.)

Marker installed: 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 Kansas State Capitol building in Topeka features a famous mural called "Tragic Prelude" by John Steuart Curry, which depicts abolitionist John Brown and other figures from Kansas history.

About Douglas County

Douglas County, Kansas has a rich and diverse history dating back to the time of Native American settlements. The Kaw (or Kanza) people were the original inhabitants of the area before European settlers arrived in the 19th century. The county takes its name after Stephen A. Douglas, a prominent 19th-century politician.

In the mid-1800s, Douglas County played a crucial role in the "Bleeding Kansas" era, a period of conflict over whether Kansas would be a free or slave state. Lawrence, the county seat, was a stronghold for anti-slavery activists and had a significant impact on the national debate on slavery. The infamous Lawrence Massacre in 1856, where pro-slavery forces attacked the town, further intensified the tensions.

During the Civil War, Douglas County continued to be a center for abolitionist activities. The county's residents played vital roles in supporting the Union army and providing aid to escaped slaves traveling the Underground Railroad. The historic Eldridge Hotel in Lawrence served as a temporary headquarters for several Union generals.

In the post-war years, Douglas County experienced significant growth and development. The University of Kansas was established in Lawrence in 1866, becoming a major educational and cultural institution for the county and the region. As the county grew, agriculture played a vital role in its economy, with thriving wheat and dairy industries. Today, Douglas County continues to preserve its historical significance while embracing modern advancements and maintaining a strong sense of community.

Douglas County Timeline

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

1854 - Douglas County, Kansas is established as a county
1855 - Lawrence, the county seat, is founded
1856 - Violence erupts in Lawrence during the "Bleeding Kansas" era
1863 - Quantrill's Raid on Lawrence results in the destruction of much of the city
1870 - The University of Kansas is founded in Lawrence
1903 - The United Spanish War Veterans Home is established in Leavenworth
1954 - Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case rules against racial segregation in schools
2008 - The closure of the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant marks the end of an era