Carnegie Public Library, Hutchinson, Minnesota, c1940s

 

LIB513948

Established in 1904. 

1909 College Library, Greencastle, Indiana

[LIB2508] - New library facilities had to wait until 1908, when after a long series of negotiations with agents of Andrew Carnegie, who first turned down DePauw’s request, the Carnegie Library was erected next to the College Avenue Methodist Church with funds contributed by the great steelmaker-benefactor as well as by alumni others. Breaking with the utilitarian re-brick tradition, the well-established Indianapolis architectural firm of D.A. Bohlen and Sons designed it in a neo-classic style. Constructed completely of Bedford limestone, with two pairs of columns of the Ionic order adorning both the front entrance and the south side, the library was often described as the “most beautiful building on campus”. Despite its handsome appearance, it proved barely adequate for its purposes during the nearly half a century it was to serve as the university’s chief book depository. [From The New DePauw University: Evolution of the Campus]

1908 Public Library, Carey, Ohio

[LIB0346] - Courtesy of Waymarking: Like many towns, Carey had a history of small lending libraries run by different groups, with collections housed in various buildings and rooms in town. Mayor Greeley Chambers contacted Andrew Carnegie to request a grant to build a permanent library structure. In 1904, the small town received a small grant of $8000 for this purpose. An additional $5000 was received from local citizen Edwin Brown. Brown’s wife’s mother, Dorcas Carey, was the wife of John Carey, who founded the village. The library took her name in memoriam. The yellow brick building was designed by H. O. Wurmser, who had also designed school buildings and the First Methodist Church in Lorain, Ohio. Dorcas Carey Public Library opened 19 October 1906 with a relatively large collection of just over 5000 books. The building would be expanded several times over the next century. A large addition in 1979 had a second story added in 1987. Ten years later, another expansion project was completed. Today, the library lends books and audio-visual materials, but also has reproduction oil paintings available for 8 week loans. Local newspapers dating to 1873 are available on microfilm, a slide projector is available for rent, and internet access is offered. Programs include adult literacy tutoring, children’s story time, and family movie nights.
References:
Armentrout, Mary Ellen: Carnegie Libraries of Ohio

McLean Library, Fostoria, Ohio

[LIB0322] - Early libraries in Fostoria, Ohio included a subscription service run by the owners of the local drugstore (1870s) and a library run by the Fostoria High School Alumni Association that was free to alumni and available for a small fee to non-alumni (1890s). Reorganization and city funding of $900 per year transformed the Alumni Association library into the Fostoria Public Library Association. This group, incorporated in 1900, maintained over 4000 volumes in a donated building on West Tiffin Street.

Local resident Louisa McClean left $21,000 to the library when she died in 1910. Then, in 1913, the library association approached Andrew Carnegie to obtain a library grant. Carnegie responded with a grant of $20,000. A lot on Perry Street was purchased for $10,000, and architect Thomas McLaughlin of Lima was hired to design the limestone building that would bear Mrs. McClean's name. The grand opening of the McClean Public Library was 11 November 1914. Featuresd speakers were Mayor George Cunningham and former Ohio State Librarian Charles Galbreath.

The library was expanded in 1968 with funds donated by Arthur Kaubisch. At some point, the library was renamed in his honor, though the McClean Drinking Fountain at the north end of the lot kept its original name.

A second addition was made in 1989. Today's Kaubisch library bears little resemblance to a http://www.fostoria.lib.oh.us/history_and_governance.htm>historical postcard depicting the orignal McClean library. However, one exterior wall of the original can be seen on the south side of the building.

References:
Armentrout, Mary Ellen. Carnegie Libraries of Ohio
http://www.fostoria.lib.oh.us/history_and_governance.htm>Kaubisch Memorial Public Library
http://www.wtol.com/Global/story.asp?S=9944618>"Opening the book on Fostoria's early library history", wtol.com, retrieved 13 July 2009

Carnegie Public Library, Taylorville, Illinois

[LIB0321] - The Taylorville Public Library had its beginning when several prominent women met in the lecture room of the Christian Church on January 11, 1898, and organized the Taylorvllle Woman's Club for the distinct purpose of founding a "City Library." Read more here.

Carnegie Library, Flint, Michigan

[LIB0312] - Website

1954 Carnegie Public Library, Denver, Colorado

[LIB0311] Website

Public Library, Corona, California

[LIB0235]- The need for additional space was soon apparent. Using Carnegie Foundation money and additional funds from city coffers, ground was broken for a library building in 1905. This Colonial Revival style building stood on the corner of Eighth and Main Streets serving as the city Library until 1971. When the building opened with 3,000 volumes in its book collection Corona’s population was 2,200. Read more of the history of the Corona Public library here.

1912 Free Public Library, Port Jervis, NY

Although the library's charter pre-dates the building itself, the cornerstone for the Port Jervis Free Library was installed in 1902.  Today, the Port Jervis Free Library remains as one of the few Carnegie libraries in the United States which continues to fulfill its original purpose.

The Port Jervis Free Library is also an archive repository for the Minisink Valley Historical Society which is open every Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and again from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. 
[Port Jervis NY Free Public Library] [LIB2092]

Carnegie Library San Bernardino CA Vintage c1915 Print

Buy this print!

A reproduction of a vintage postcard shows the Carnegie Public Library, San Bernardino California. The Court House is in the background. This image is in the public domain. This item is of archival quality, high resolution of 600 ppi, it has been retouched, recolored in areas, cropped and enhanced. This assures that your item will print with the highest quality possible.

Carnegie Library San Bernardino CA Vintage c1915 by markomundo
View all the artwork on zazzle.com

Carnegie Library San Bernardino CA Vintage c1915 Bumper Sticker

Buy this bumper sticker!

Carnegie Library San Bernardino CA Vintage c1915 by markomundo
Make bumper stickers on zazzle.com

1937 Carnegie Library, Parsons, Kansas

[LIB0150] 1909 – The dream of having a free public library in Parsons was finally realized, and the new Carnegie Library building was officially opened in ceremonies on May 18. The building, one story with a basement, was built of Carthage stone backed with concrete, with a clay tile roof, dome, and copper gutters. The style was primarily derived from Beaux-Arts Classicism, and has a rather elaborate entrance that employs a Serliana motif with Ionic columns. The name “Carnegie Library” is carved above the entrance. At opening, the library had 3,655 volumes. [Read more of the library history here!]

Carnegie Library, Frankfort, Indiana

[LIB0146]

The Frankfort Community Public Library originated as a subscription library in 1884. Initially, the library began as a collection of books in a back room of some law offices at the court house. Then the collection was moved to the Council Chamber only to be moved once more to the High School building. The library stayed at the High School building for five years under the direction of superintendent of schools, Edwin S. Monroe. In 1905, Superintendent Monroe wrote a letter to Andrew Carnegie. Andrew Carnegie was a self-made man who made a fortune in the steel industry. He was known for his philanthropy and for his fervent advocacy of libraries. True to his reputation, he responded to Monroe with a donation of $24,000 towards the building of a new library. (Adjusted for inflation, $24,000 in 1905 is equivalent to $461,449.70 today.) Along with the support of Frankfort tax money, the library finally got its permanent home in 1906 at the corner of Clinton and Columbia Streets. [Thanks to the Frankfort Community Library]

Search Amazon.com for frankfort indiana

1940 Public Library, Elwood, Indiana

[LIB2596]

Construction on the new library began in 1903, the same year the natural gas supply was depleted and Elwood's gas boom ended. In July 1903, Mrs. Saylor was instructed to make an appeal to Mr. Carnegie for an extra $5,000 to complete the building and furnishings. In August, she reported Mr. Carnegie had agreed to the extra money provided that the city council would increase the annual tax levy to $3,000. The council approved, making the total cost of $30,000 for the city's fine, new library. [Thanks to the Elwood Public Library]

Thumb National Bank, Bay City, Michigan Waymark

Waymarking has many listings for libraries throughout the United States. This entry for Thumb National Bank relates the history of the building that began as a Carnegie Library. Thankfully, respect has been paid to the renovations and the character of the original building seems for the most part to have been preserved. Additional photos and reading can be found in the Waymark entry, here.

Another one biting the dust?

I have chronicled a number of Carnegie libraries that have been demolished. Another one scheduled for demolition is located in Orillia, Ontario, Canada. Read additional stories:
Orillia (Ont.) Public Library Finally on the Move
Library's future on agenda

1908 Carnegie Library, Greencastle, Indiana

[LIB2584]

Carnegie Library, State College, Pennsylvania 1909

[LIB2582]

Opened in 1904.

1952 Public Library, Richmond Virginia

[LIB0926]

First and Franklin Streets.

The Finance Committee of Richmond’s Common Council twice passed up Mr. Andrew Carnegie’s generous offers of financial assistance to establish a public library in Richmond. The first offer, of $100,000, in March 1901, made it as far as the selection of Trustees for the Library, a recommendation for a site for the proposed building and the sum of $22,000 to purchase it. After consideration, the Finance Committee rejected the recommendation. Mayor Carlton McCarthy tried again in 1906, at which time Mr. Carnegie was willing to double his original offer to $200,000. The matter again came to the Finance Committee, where it was “read and ordered to be received and filed.” No further action was taken. Individuals and community leaders in business, education and civic institutions had rallied to the Library, to no avail. They founded the Richmond Public Library Association in 1905 to advocate for a public library in Richmond. Gradually, they built more community support and began to win over public officials. On April 5, 1922, Mr. John Stewart Bryan became president of the Association, and stepped up the campaign for a public library. In June 1922, within 3 days, 10,000 Richmonders signed a petition supporting the establishment of a public library. The Richmond Public Library Association ultimately gathered a total of 50,000 signatures. This time, the wishes of Richmonders prevailed with the Common Council and the Board of Aldermen. [Thanks to the Richmond Public Library, www.richmondpubliclibrary.org]

1906 Carnegie Library, Schenley Park, Pittsburg PA

[LIB0925]