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:

406 East Oklahoma Avenue, Guthrie, Oklahoma

( Marker is on East Oklahoma Avenue east of North Ash Street, on the left when traveling east.)

Marker installed: 1980

Constructed in 1902 with a $25,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie, this restored building is now connected to the Oklahoma Territorial Museum. The last territorial governor and the first state governor took their oaths of office here. The mock wedding symbolizing the joining of Oklahoma and Indian Territory as the state of Oklahoma took place on the library steps on November 16, 1907

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.

Oklahoma is the only state in the United States whose name is derived from a Native American word. "Oklahoma" comes from the Choctaw words "okla" and "humma", which together mean "red people."

About Logan County

Logan County, located in central Oklahoma, has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The area was originally home to various Native American tribes, including the Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Osage. In the 1800s, following the Indian Removal Act, these tribes were relocated to reservations, opening up the land for settlement.

The first European-American settlers arrived in the area in the late 1800s, attracted by the promise of free land through the Homestead Act. As more settlers arrived, communities began to form, and Logan County was officially established in 1890, with the town of Guthrie serving as the county seat. Guthrie quickly grew into a bustling center of business and government, fueled by the arrival of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway in 1889.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Guthrie flourished as a significant trading hub and the territorial capital of Oklahoma. However, after Oklahoma gained statehood in 1907, the capital was moved to Oklahoma City, causing a decline in Guthrie's prominence. Nevertheless, the town's rich architectural heritage, including well-preserved Victorian-era buildings, remains a testament to its past glory.

In addition to its historical significance, Logan County has also played a role in shaping the culture of Oklahoma. The area is known for its cowboy and Western heritage, with Guthrie hosting annual rodeos and the National Finals Steer Roping competition. The county's diverse landscapes, including the Cimarron River and expansive plains, also attract outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking.

Overall, Logan County's history is a blend of Native American heritage, pioneer settlement, and the rise and fall of a thriving territorial capital. Today, the county continues to embrace its past while looking toward the future, preserving its unique cultural legacy while embracing economic development and meeting the needs of its residents.

Logan County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Logan County, Oklahoma.

1890 - Logan County is established as a county in Oklahoma Territory
1891 - The town of Guthrie is designated as the county seat
1893 - Logan County experiences a land rush as settlers claim land in the area
1895 - A territorial jail is built in Guthrie
1900 - Guthrie becomes the first state capital of Oklahoma
1907 - Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory combine to form the state of Oklahoma
1913 - The state capital is moved from Guthrie to Oklahoma City
1934 - The first oil well is drilled in Logan County
1942-1945 - Camp Guthrie, a prisoner of war camp, is operated in the county during World War II
1971 - The Route 66 Museum opens in the town of Clinton