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:

109 W Main St, Wessington Springs, South Dakota

( Marker is on West Main Street east of Dakota Avenue, on the right when traveling east.)

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 South Dakota.

The Lewis and Clark expedition, which explored much of the western United States in the early 19th century, passed through what is now South Dakota.

About Jerauld County

Jerauld County, South Dakota, is located in the southeastern part of the state. The county was established in 1881 and named after H.T. Jerauld, a prominent attorney and Democratic politician. The area was primarily settled by European immigrants, including Germans, Irish, Norwegians, and Czechs, who came to farm the fertile land.

The early years of Jerauld County were marked by the difficulties faced by settlers in establishing farms and communities in the harsh prairie environment. Homesteaders faced numerous challenges, including extreme weather, locust plagues, and isolation. However, through perseverance and hard work, the county slowly grew and developed.

The arrival of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad in 1890 brought significant changes to Jerauld County. The railroad provided a vital means of transportation for both people and goods, connecting the county to national markets. This led to a boom in agriculture, with crops such as wheat, corn, and oats becoming the mainstays of the local economy.

Over the years, Jerauld County has experienced ups and downs in its economic fortunes. The Great Depression of the 1930s hit the county hard, causing a decline in agricultural prices and forcing many farmers to abandon their land. However, the county managed to rebound in subsequent decades, diversifying its agricultural sector and experiencing a growth in population. Today, Jerauld County continues to be an agricultural powerhouse, with a strong and close-knit community that thrives on its farming heritage.

Jerauld County Timeline

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Jerauld County, South Dakota.

1873: Jerauld County was established on January 8.
1883: The county seat was moved from Woonsocket to Wessington Springs.
1890: The population of the county reached 7,733 according to the United States Census.
1905: Jerauld County's first courthouse was completed in Wessington Springs.
1949: The county's first hospital, Avera Weskota Memorial Medical Center, was established in Wessington Springs.
1965: The Jerauld County Pioneer Museum was founded.
2020: Jerauld County celebrated its 147th anniversary since establishment.