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

Marker installed: 1976

Marker provided by: Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

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.

About Mississippi State Historical markers

Since 1949 the State Historical Marker program has identified and interpreted historic sites across Mississippi. More than one thousand markers can be found near buildings, battlefields, cemeteries, churches, temples, forts, homes, schools, and abandoned towns.

For tourists the markers may be their only glimpses into the state’s rich and varied history. For Mississippi communities the markers can be points of pride that memorialize locally important people and events.

State Historical Markers are privately sponsored and funded. Anyone may sponsor a marker. To qualify a site must have unique historical significance to the local community, the state, or the nation.

Mississippi is the birthplace of many famous authors, including William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, and Richard Wright.

About Chickasaw County

Chickasaw County, Mississippi, has a rich and diverse history that can be traced back to its Native American roots. The region was once home to the Chickasaw tribe, who inhabited the area for centuries before European settlers arrived. In 1836, the Chickasaw Indians were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands through the Treaty of Pontotoc, which opened up the area for settlement by white settlers.

Following the removal of the Chickasaw tribe, Chickasaw County was officially established in 1836. The county was named in honor of the Chickasaw people who had previously occupied the land. The county seat was originally located in Houston, but it was later moved to its current location in the city of Okolona.

During the mid-19th century, Chickasaw County thrived as an agricultural community, with cotton being the main cash crop. The economy was heavily dependent on slave labor, and many large plantations were established throughout the county. The Civil War had a significant impact on the area, as the county was located in a strategic position between Union and Confederate forces. Battles and skirmishes took place throughout the county, leaving a lasting impact on its landscape and its people.

In the decades following the Civil War, Chickasaw County faced numerous challenges, including economic struggles and racial tensions. The decline of the agricultural economy led to a shift towards smaller-scale farming and the growth of industries such as timber and manufacturing. The civil rights movement had a profound impact on the area, as residents fought for equal rights and opportunities for all. Today, Chickasaw County continues to be a vibrant community, with a diverse population and a strong sense of history and heritage.

Chickasaw County Timeline

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Chickasaw County, Mississippi.

1836: Chickasaw County is established as part of the State of Mississippi.
1861-1865: Chickasaw County is heavily involved in the American Civil War.
Late 19th century: The timber and railroad industries bring growth and economic development to Chickasaw County.
Early 20th century: The county experiences a decline in agricultural production due to the boll weevil infestation.
1930s-1940s: Chickasaw County suffers from the effects of the Great Depression and World War II.
1950s-1960s: The Civil Rights Movement impacts Chickasaw County as African Americans fight for equal rights.
Late 20th century: The county focuses on industrial and economic diversification, attracting new businesses.
Present: Chickasaw County continues to be a vibrant community, with a mix of agriculture, industry, and tourism.