A Carnegie library is a library constructed with funds donated by the Scottish-American businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Between 1883 and 1929, a total of 2,509 Carnegie libraries were built. Many of those within public and university library systems. Of these, 1,689 were in the United States, 660 in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and 125 in Canada. There were 25 more scattered across Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Serbia, Belgium, France, the Caribbean, Mauritius, Malaysia, and Fiji.
Personal Connection
Initially, Carnegie focused on establishing libraries in areas with which he had a personal connection. Places such as his birthplace in Scotland and the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, his adopted hometown. However, from the mid-1890s onward, Carnegie began to extend his library philanthropy to a wider range of locations. As Carnegie’s funding program evolved, the vast majority of towns that applied for a grant and agreed to his terms for operation and maintenance received funding. By the time the final grant was made in 1919, there were approximately 3,500 libraries in the United States, with nearly half being Carnegie libraries.
Andrew Carnegie’s commitment to public libraries was deeply rooted in his belief in their educational and cultural significance, influenced by his own experiences growing up in Scotland. Carnegie believed that libraries could provide individuals with the opportunity to educate themselves. That they could serve as invaluable community resources for learning and personal growth. He also saw libraries as essential venues for congregation, leadership, and discussion. He felt libraries were an important tool for helping immigrants assimilate into American culture.
Michigan Carnegie Libraries
Michigan benefited significantly from Carnegie’s philanthropy, receiving funds for the construction of 61 libraries. From 1901 to 1918, the Carnegie Corporation of New York awarded over $1.6 million for these libraries. Northern Michigan alone is home to 16 of these libraries, 7 of those in the Upper Peninsula. Some of these buildings continue to function as libraries today. Others have been repurposed for use by non-profits, school districts, municipalities, and private businesses. Unfortunately, several of these historic buildings have fallen into disrepair, remain vacant, or have been demolished.
The legacy of Carnegie libraries is a testament to Andrew Carnegie’s vision of accessible public education and his belief in the transformative power of libraries. These institutions have provided countless individuals with the resources and opportunities to improve their lives. A chance to foster community connections, and promote cultural exchange. Despite the challenges some of these buildings face today, the enduring impact of Carnegie’s philanthropy on communities across the globe remains undeniable.
The 16 locations in Northern Michigan:
Click on the name of the city to read more about the Carnegie Library in that community.
Northern Lower Peninsula – Boyne City, Cadillac, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, East Jordan, Mancelona, Manistee, Petoskey and Traverse City.
Upper Peninsula – Escanaba, Houghton, Iron Mountain, Ironwood, Ishpeming, Sault Ste. Marie, and Stambaugh (now Iron River).