National Register Listing

Carnegie Library

215 E. Wade St., El Reno, OK
El Reno's Carnegie Library was built in 1904-1905 and dedicated on March 5, 1905, the 4th Carnegie Library in then 16-year-old Oklahoma Territory. The oldest still in use today as a library, it has served El Reno and Canadian County in a continually expanding number of ways for nearly 75 years. The addition of an Archives Room in 1964 to the left rear of the two-story structure - accomplished without seriously marring a simple classic design - has enabled the library to serve an increasing number students and scholars from well beyond the El Reno area. All the time the building itself has been well maintained, with a minimum of interior changes, thus letting it stand today as a still rather handsome model for the concept of community service and enrichment Andrew Carnegie undoubtedly intended for his library building program.
Local significance of the building:
Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
  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 National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

social history library
Audiobooks about the history of Oklahoma.
Oklahoma was the birthplace of many famous people, including Will Rogers, a humorist and actor; Brad Pitt, a famous Hollywood actor; and Reba McEntire, a country music singer and actress.
Oklahoma random facts
Canadian County is a county located in the state of Oklahoma in the United States. The county was established in 1889 as part of Oklahoma Territory, shortly after the Land Run of April 22, 1889. Its name is derived from the Canadian River, which runs through the county. The county seat is El Reno, which was named after Fort Reno, a historic military fort.

In the early years, Canadian County relied heavily on agriculture for its economy. Wheat, cotton, and cattle were the primary crops, and the county became known for its fertile soil and abundant water supply. With the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, the county experienced more rapid growth and development.

During World War II, Canadian County played a significant role in supporting the war effort. El Reno was home to the Fort Reno Internment Camp, which held German prisoners of war. The county also had several military installations, such as the El Reno Naval Air Station and the Reno Army Airfield, where bomber crews were trained.

In recent years, Canadian County has experienced rapid population growth and suburbanization. The county has attracted numerous residents who work in the nearby Oklahoma City metropolitan area, seeking a more rural and peaceful lifestyle. While agriculture continues to be an important industry in the county, Canadian County has also seen the expansion of industries such as manufacturing, energy, and retail.

Overall, Canadian County has a rich history rooted in agriculture, and has adapted to changing times to become a vibrant community with a diverse economy.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Canadian County, Oklahoma.

  • 1890 - Canadian County is founded as a part of Oklahoma Territory.
  • 1892 - The county seat is established in El Reno.
  • 1902 - The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad is built through the county.
  • 1909 - The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is established in Chickasha.
  • 1931 - The Great Depression reaches its peak, causing economic hardship in the county.
  • 1959 - The Canadian River is dammed to create Lake Overholser.
  • 1986 - The Canadian County Historical Museum is opened in El Reno.
  • 1999 - A tornado outbreak affects Canadian County, causing significant damage.
  • 2005 - Construction of the Canadian Valley Technology Center is completed.