Cleburne Carnegie Library
a.k.a. Cleburne Public Library
201 N. Caddo St., Cleburne, TXThe Cleburne Carnegie Library, located in the central business district of Cleburne, Texas, was the first professionally designed structure built in Cleburne. The library was constructed on a site of historical importance to Cleburne and has been the focus of community cultural and educational activities since it opened in 1905.
In 1901 the Women's Club of Cleburne was formed, under the leadership of Mrs. J.D. Osborne, with the specific goal of establishing a public library in Cleburne. Mrs. Osborne was able to assemble a collection of 800 books donated by Cleburne residents before plans for a library were actually completed. In 1902 and again in 1903, the Women's Club appointed Mrs. D.E. Waggoner to represent Cleburne at the Carnegie Foundation offices in New York. After several months she obtained a grant of $20,000 to construct and furnish a library, with the stipulations that the site for the library be donated to the library association, and that the city of Cleburne would levy a tax to maintain the library.
At a town meeting in 1903 the citizens of Cleburne agreed to the library tax, and began the solicitation of private donations to purchase a site for the library. A library board was established and officers were elected.
The architectural firm of Smith and Moore was selected by the library board to design a structure for the library site. The land purchased by the citizens of Cleburne for the library was of great historical value to the city of Cleburne. The property was the former site of Camp Henderson, an antebellum military outpost around which the area's settlers met at the site of the vacated outpost, and named their settlement Cleburne, after Confederate General Pat Cleburne, under whose command many of the area's men had served during the Civil War. The establishment of the library, the town's first attempt at formal architectural expression, on this significant site, was an expression of civic pride and enthusiasm for the library project.
The Classical Revival Library opened its doors to the public in 1905, with 2,608 volumes and an initial membership of 1,308. Most of the books in the library's original collection were donated by the citizens of Cleburne, but the Carnegie Foundation presented the library with a bookcase filled with books, by contemporary authors on international relations, history and philosophy. The Cleburne Library has preserved this original collection, which is still available to the public in a special section of the library known as the " International Mind" alcove.
The library acquired a large collection of Shakespearian and still maintains its original selection of over 400 stereopticon slides.
The library's second floor housed an auditorium which was the scene of local theatrical productions until the mid-1950s. Two groups--the little theatre group, and the Cleburne Shakespearean Club--presented regularly scheduled plays annually, and traveling Shakespearean troupes were invited to perform there once each year.
In 1952 the library board was dissolved and the city of Cleburne assumed ownership of the library. The library was renamed the Cleburne Public Library and was slightly modified by the installation of fluorescent ceiling lights, air conditioning, and an asbestos tile floor, on the first level.
The second-floor auditorium became the Layland Museum with the donation to the library of the Layland Historical Collection which had been the property of one of Cleburne's pioneer families.
The Cleburne Public Library, as it is currently known, is the only public library in Cleburne and one of the few libraries in Johnson County. The structure is significant primarily for its continued service to the community. The library's well-preserved and extensive original furnishings such as library tables and bookcases, are also of interest, as they have remained in daily use since the library's opening in 1905.
Few major modifications have been made in the structure, and the building continues to act as an important community focal point. The structure has been well maintained and is accessible to the public without charge.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
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.
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
The establishment of Johnson County can be traced back to 1854 when it was officially organized and named after Middleton Tate Johnson, a Texas Ranger and a Confederate commander during the Civil War. The county quickly began to grow, attracting settlers from nearby areas due to its abundant natural resources and favorable climate for agriculture. Cotton and corn became the primary crops, and the county's economy thrived, aided by the construction of railroads in the late 1800s.
Throughout its history, Johnson County has faced both triumphs and challenges. In the late 1800s, the county was known for its fertile soil and large cotton plantations, which contributed to its economic prosperity. However, like many areas in the South, Johnson County also experienced the hardships of Reconstruction following the Civil War. Additionally, the destructive effects of the Great Depression in the 1930s had a significant impact on the local economy, causing widespread poverty and unemployment.
In recent decades, Johnson County has seen significant growth and development. With an expanding population and a diverse economy, the county has become a hub for industry, commerce, and residential communities. Today, it continues to embrace its rich cultural heritage while adapting to the changing needs of its residents. Johnson County's historical legacy serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of its people, allowing the county to thrive and face the future with confidence.
Johnson County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Johnson County, Texas.
- 1846: Johnson County is established as a county in the state of Texas.
- 1861-1865: Johnson County sends soldiers to fight in the American Civil War.
- 1867: The county experiences economic growth as the Chisholm Trail passes through, bringing cattle drives and trade.
- 1879: The town of Cleburne is established as the county seat.
- 1880s: The arrival of the railroad boosts the local economy and facilitates transportation.
- 1893: The Johnson County Courthouse is constructed in Cleburne, becoming a local landmark.
- 1920s: The county suffers from the Great Depression, causing economic hardships for its residents.
- 1940s: Johnson County contributes to the war effort during World War II, with many residents serving in the military.
- 1950s-1960s: The county experiences population growth and suburbanization.
- 1990s: The opening of the Chisholm Trail Parkway provides improved transportation and connectivity.