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 Building

Historical marker location:

451 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan

( Marker is at the intersection of Mitchell Street (County Road 58) and Waukazoo Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Mitchell Street.)

Marker installed: 2012

Hemingway's Michigan

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 Michigan.

The University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States. It was founded in 1817, 20 years before Michigan became a state, and its alumni include President Gerald Ford, Google co-founder Larry Page, and actor James Earl Jones.

About Emmet County

Emmet County, located in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, has a rich and varied history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Ottawa and Ojibwa, who relied on the region's abundant resources for sustenance and trade. European exploration of the area began in the 17th century, and French fur traders established trading posts along the Great Lakes.

The first permanent settlement in what is now Emmet County was established by European settlers in the early 19th century. The town of Petoskey, named after an Ottawa Indian chief, was founded in 1852 and became a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and healing mineral springs. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further fueled the growth of the county, as it facilitated the transportation of goods and people to the area.

Emmet County played a significant role in the lumber industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The plentiful forests in the region attracted numerous lumber companies, leading to the establishment of logging camps and sawmills. The lumber industry brought prosperity and population growth to the county, but also resulted in extensive deforestation and environmental degradation.

In the 20th century, Emmet County's economy diversified, with the tourism industry becoming increasingly important. The natural beauty of the area, including its lakes, dunes, and parks, continued to attract visitors from far and wide. Today, Emmet County is known for its vibrant tourism industry, as well as its commitment to preserving its natural resources and promoting sustainable development.

Emmet County Timeline

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

1851: Emmet County is established by the Michigan Legislature.
1854: The first white settlers arrive in the area.
1868: The county's first courthouse is built in the city of Petoskey.
1873: The Traverse City Railroad reaches Petoskey, significantly boosting the local economy.
1881: The Michigan Central Railroad begins service to Petoskey.
1898: A devastating fire destroys much of the city of Petoskey.
1901: The new city hall is completed in Petoskey.
1950s: The tourism industry becomes a major economic driver in the county.
1971: The Headlands International Dark Sky Park is established, preserving the area's natural beauty.
1994: The Little Traverse Wheelway, a scenic bike path, is completed.