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

Redfield Carnegie Library

Historical marker location:

5 E 5th Ave., Redfield, South Dakota

( Marker is on E 5th Ave. near Main St..)

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 town of Mitchell, South Dakota is home to the world's only corn palace, a building decorated entirely with corn and other grains.

About Spink County

Spink County, South Dakota, is located in the eastern part of the state and has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1873. The county was named after Solomon Spink, a prominent judge and politician in Dakota Territory. The history of Spink County is closely tied to the development and growth of agriculture in the region.

In its early years, Spink County attracted homesteaders who were drawn to the fertile soil and opportunities for farming. Many settlers began arriving in the late 1870s and early 1880s, and the population steadily grew. The county experienced a boom during the late 19th century, with the establishment of towns, schools, churches, and businesses.

The agricultural sector played a fundamental role in the development of Spink County. Wheat farming was the main industry, with farmers cultivating large areas of land and relying on machinery and advanced farming techniques. The county's economy was further stimulated by the arrival of the railroad in the 1880s, which facilitated the transportation of agricultural products, connecting the county to larger markets.

Over the years, Spink County faced challenges related to weather and economic fluctuations, such as droughts and market disruptions. Despite these challenges, the county's resilient agricultural community persevered and adapted to new technologies and methods. Today, Spink County continues to be a vital agricultural center, with a thriving farming industry that includes crops like corn, soybeans, wheat, and livestock production.

Overall, the history of Spink County is a testament to the strength and determination of its residents, who built a prosperous community on the foundations of agriculture and hard work.

Spink County Timeline

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Spink County, South Dakota.

1873 - Spink County is officially established on January 8, 1873.
1880 - The first post office is established in Spink County in April 1880.
1883 - The town of Redfield is founded in Spink County on September 25, 1883.
1890 - The population of Spink County reaches 6,542 by the end of the decade.
1907 - The Spink County Courthouse is completed in the city of Redfield in 1907.
1918 - The Spanish Flu epidemic affects Spink County, causing numerous deaths.
1920 - The population of Spink County decreases to 6,375 after the post-war years.
1941 - Spink County residents join the war efforts as the United States enters World War II.
1956 - Interstate 90 is established, providing improved transportation access for Spink County.
1975 - The Redfield Dam and Lake Spink State Recreation Area are completed.
1995 - The population of Spink County is recorded at 7,454, its highest in history.