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

Richfield Carnegie Library

Historical marker location:

89 East Center Street, Richfield, Utah

( Marker is at the intersection of East Center Street and 100 East, on the left when traveling east on East Center Street.)

Marker installed: 1986

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 Utah State Fair, held annually in Salt Lake City, is one of the oldest state fairs in the country, dating back to 1856.

About Sevier County

Sevier County, located in central Utah, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Paiute and Ute Indians. These tribes lived off the land, relying on hunting, gathering, and fishing in the region's abundant natural resources.

In the mid-19th century, Mormon pioneers settled in the area, establishing several communities, including the county seat of Richfield in 1864. The Mormon settlers faced significant challenges in developing the land, including irrigation and water management. They worked diligently to create irrigation systems and transform the desert into an agricultural hub, relying heavily on the natural bounty of the Sevier River.

As the pioneers settled, the county saw significant growth and development. Richfield became an important trading post in southern Utah, attracting settlers, merchants, and traders. The expansion of transportation networks, including railroads, further boosted the county's economy and connected it to neighboring areas. The railroads allowed for the transportation of goods, enabling the development of mining, livestock, and other industries in the region.

Throughout the 20th century, Sevier County continued to grow and diversify. Tourism became an important component of the county's economy, thanks to the beautiful landscapes and recreational opportunities in the area. Visitors flocked to attractions such as Fish Lake, Big Rock Candy Mountain, and Fremont Indian State Park, contributing to the growth of hotels, restaurants, and recreational amenities in the county. Today, Sevier County remains a vibrant and thriving community, showcasing a combination of natural beauty, historical heritage, and modern amenities.

Sevier County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Sevier County, Utah.

1824 - Sevier County was settled by pioneers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).
1851 - The area was officially organized as part of Utah Territory.
1865 - The town of Richfield was settled and became the county seat.
1874 - Sevier County was officially established with Richfield as its county seat.
1881 - The first creamery was established in the county, leading to a boom in dairy farming.
1896 - Utah became a state and Sevier County was a part of it.
1921 - Fishlake National Forest was established, covering a large part of Sevier County.
1962 - Interstate 70 was completed, providing improved transportation access to the county.
2002 - The Rattlesnake Fire destroyed thousands of acres of land in Sevier County.
2019 - Brian Head Fire burned a significant portion of the county, causing significant damage to wildlife and forests.