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:

306 State Street, Hamilton, Montana

( Marker is on State Street near South 3rd Street, on the right when traveling west.)

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 state of Montana has a rich Native American history, with several tribes, including the Blackfeet, Crow, Salish, and Kootenai, having lived in the region for thousands of years. Many Native American traditions and customs are still practiced in Montana today, including powwows and traditional beadwork.

About Ravalli County

Ravalli County, Montana, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Salish, Pend d'Oreille, and Bitterroot Salish. These tribes were highly skilled hunters, gatherers, and traders, utilizing the abundant natural resources of the Bitterroot Valley.

In the early 1800s, European explorers and fur trappers began to venture into the region. One of the most notable figures in the history of Ravalli County is Jesuit priest Pierre-Jean De Smet, who arrived in the Bitterroot Valley in 1841. De Smet played a significant role in establishing missions and building relationships with the Native American tribes.

The 1860s marked a period of rapid growth and development for the county. Gold was discovered in the region, attracting a wave of prospectors and settlers. Towns such as Stevensville and Hamilton were founded during this time, becoming important hubs for trade and agriculture. Ranching also emerged as a dominant industry in Ravalli County, making full use of the fertile land and favorable climate.

Throughout the 20th century, Ravalli County underwent various transformations. The timber industry became a major economic force, supporting the growth of towns like Darby. The county also experienced advancements in transportation, with the construction of highways and the introduction of the railroad. Today, Ravalli County remains a scenic and vibrant community, known for its stunning landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and rich heritage.

Ravalli County Timeline

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ravalli County, Montana.

1805: The Lewis and Clark expedition passes through what is now Ravalli County.
1841: The first known white settlement is established by missionaries in the Bitterroot Valley.
1855: The Hellgate Treaty is signed between the United States and the Salish, Pend d'Oreille, and Kootenai tribes, ceding their land to the US government, including the lands that would become Ravalli County.
1864: The Bitterroot Valley is officially designated as Missoula County by the Montana Territorial Legislature.
1893: Ravalli County is established as a separate county from Missoula County.
1895: Hamilton becomes the county seat of Ravalli County.
1900s: Agriculture, logging, and mining industries thrive in Ravalli County.
1950s: Tourism starts to become a significant industry in the region.
1990s: Ravalli County experiences population growth as people are attracted to the area's natural beauty and quality of life.
Today: Ravalli County is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, hunting, and skiing.