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

Paulding County Carnegie Library

Historical marker location:

205 S. Main Street, Paulding, Ohio

( Marker is at the intersection of S. Main Street and E. Harrison Street, on the left when traveling south on S. Main Street.)

Marker installed: 2003

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.

Ohio played a key role in the development of the modern steel industry. Andrew Carnegie, one of the most famous industrialists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, started his career in the steel industry in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but his first major investment was in a steel mill in Braddock, Ohio.

About Paulding County

Paulding County, Ohio has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1820. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Shawnee, who hunted and fished in the area. However, with the arrival of European settlers, the landscape and demographics of the county began to change.

The county was named after John Paulding, a Revolutionary War soldier known for his capture of British spy Major John Andre. In the early 19th century, Paulding County was primarily an agricultural region, with settlers cultivating the fertile land. The completion of the Miami and Erie Canal in the 1840s brought further growth and development to the area, as it provided a mode of transportation for goods and materials.

During the mid-19th century, Paulding County experienced an influx of immigrants, including Germans, Irish, and Scottish, who brought their unique cultural influences to the region. As the county continued to grow, new industries emerged, such as lumber mills and brick manufacturing. The introduction of the railroad in the late 1800s further boosted economic activity in Paulding County, facilitating the transportation of goods and fostering trade.

In the early 20th century, the county saw advancements in education and infrastructure. Schools were built, and the first hospital was established in the county seat of Paulding. The discovery of oil and gas reserves in the region brought about an economic boom in the 1920s, leading to increased prosperity for the county.

Today, Paulding County remains a predominantly rural area with a strong agricultural community. The county is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Maumee River and Paulding Reservoir, which attract outdoor enthusiasts. With its rich history and natural beauty, Paulding County continues to be an important part of Ohio's heritage.

Paulding County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Paulding County, Ohio.

1817 - Paulding County is established and named after John Paulding, a Revolutionary War soldier
1839 - The county's first courthouse is built in the town of Brownsville
1851 - The village of Paulding is founded and becomes the new county seat
1856 - The Toledo, Delphos and Burlington Railroad is completed, connecting Paulding County to other parts of Ohio
1882 - Paulding County's first newspaper, the Paulding Democrat, is published
1891 - The county's first public high school, Paulding High School, is established
1918-1919 - The Spanish Influenza pandemic impacts Paulding County, leading to many deaths and disruptions
1930s - The Great Depression causes economic hardship for many residents in Paulding County
1950s-1960s - The county experiences growth and development with improvements in infrastructure and the establishment of industrial parks
1974 - The Paulding County Carnegie Library is built and continues to serve as a community resource
1990s-present - Paulding County sees fluctuations in population and economic activity, with a focus on diversifying industries and promoting tourism