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

Scott County's Carnegie Library

Historical marker location:

108 South Main Street, Scottsburg, Indiana

( Marker is at the intersection of West Wardell Street and South Main Street, on the left when traveling west on West Wardell Street.)

Marker installed: 2002

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.

Indiana is a place of beauty and charm.

About Scott County

Scott County, Indiana has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, predominantly the Miami and Delaware tribes. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1800s, establishing small communities along the Ohio River. The county itself was officially formed in 1820 and named after General Charles Scott, a hero of the Revolutionary War.

During the mid-19th century, Scott County experienced significant growth and development. The completion of the Madison and Indianapolis Railroad in the 1840s brought greater accessibility and economic opportunities to the region. Agriculture played a vital role in the county's economy, with corn and tobacco being the primary crops.

In the late 19th century, the county saw a shift in its economy with the discovery of natural gas in the area. This led to the development of industries such as glass manufacturing and brickmaking. The town of Scottsburg, the county seat, became a hub for these industries and experienced a population boom.

The early 20th century brought several advancements to Scott County. In 1906, the county built its first consolidated school, and by the 1920s, they had a high school and several elementary schools. Scott County also played a significant role in the automotive industry during this time, with the production of the Scott Six automobile.

In summary, Scott County, Indiana has evolved from its early Native American roots to become a prosperous community with a diverse economy. From its agricultural beginnings to the discovery of natural resources, the county has experienced growth and development throughout its history. Today, Scott County remains a vibrant and thriving part of Indiana.

Scott County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Scott County, Indiana.

1807: Scott County, Indiana founded and named after Charles Scott, the Governor of Kentucky
1819: The first school opens in Lexington Township
1820: Scott County's first courthouse is constructed in Lexington
1846: The town of Lexington becomes the county seat
1863: Morgan's Raid, a Confederate incursion, reaches Scott County
1871: Scottsburg becomes the new county seat, replacing Lexington
1896: The Scott County Historical Society is established
1928: Scottsburg High School is built
1951: The Hardy Lake Reservoir is created
1958: The Scott County Public Library is established
1961: A tornado strikes Austin, causing significant damage
1995: The Scott County Heritage Center and Museum opens
2015: An HIV outbreak occurs in Scott County, leading to a public health emergency