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

The Carnegie Library / El Biblioteca Carnegie

Historical marker location:

63 Croton Ave, Ossining, New York

( Marker is on Croton Avenue (New York State Route 133) north of Elizabeth Street, on the left when traveling north.)

Ossining, New York

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 New York.

In 1901, President William McKinley was assassinated in Buffalo, New York. He was shot by an anarchist named Leon Czolgosz while attending the Pan-American Exposition.

About Westchester County

Westchester County, located in the southeastern part of the state of New York, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The original inhabitants of the area were Native American tribes, including the Wappinger and Siwanoy, who lived off the bountiful resources of the Hudson River and the region's forests.

European colonization of Westchester began in the early 1600s, when Dutch settlers established trading posts and farms in the area. The Dutch West India Company purchased land from Native American tribes and built settlements along the Hudson River, including present-day Yonkers and Tarrytown. In 1674, Westchester came under English rule as part of the Province of New York, and English towns and cities began to emerge.

During the American Revolution, Westchester County played a crucial role as a strategic location between the British-held city of New York and the Continental Army's headquarters in the Hudson Valley. Several major battles and skirmishes took place in the area, including the Battle of White Plains in 1776. Westchester residents were divided in their loyalties, with some supporting the British Crown and others fighting for American independence.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Westchester experienced rapid industrialization and suburbanization. The construction of railroads and the opening of the Tappan Zee Bridge in 1955 facilitated the growth of commuter suburbs, attracting residents from New York City. Today, Westchester County is known for its wealthy towns, vibrant arts scene, and scenic landscapes, making it a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.

Westchester County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Westchester County, New York.

1683 - Westchester County is founded by an act of the New York Colonial Assembly.
1776 - During the American Revolution, Westchester County is partially occupied by British forces.
1788 - The village of Sing Sing (now called Ossining) becomes the location of New York State's first state prison.
1846 - The first railroad in Westchester County, the New York and Harlem Railroad, opens.
1872 - Untermyer Park and Gardens, one of Westchester's most famous parks, is established in Yonkers.
1883 - The Bronx is separated from Westchester County and becomes part of New York City.
1918 - The Bronx River Parkway, the first public parkway in the United States, is opened in Westchester County.
1921 - Playland amusement park opens in Rye.
1954 - The Tappan Zee Bridge, connecting Westchester and Rockland counties, is opened to traffic.
1977 - Westchester becomes the first suburban area to implement a curbside recycling program.