Libraries built more than a century ago with funds from steel magnate Andrew Carnegie will each get $10,000 to help celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Carnegie Corporation of New York announced the gifts last week.
Carnegie, an industrialist who led the expansion of the steel industry in the late 1800s, provided the money to build 1,681 libraries in the United States between 1886 and 1917. Minnesota got 66 of them. Of those, 48 are standing, and 25 are still in use as public libraries.
Among the originals: the Stillwater Public Library and the Riverview and St. Anthony Park libraries in St. Paul.
The $10,000 library gifts are part of a $20 million special initiative created to celebrate next year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence “by supporting America’s civic institutions and organizations that foster civic participation and bring people together,” Carnegie Corporation of New York officials said in a statement.
The Stillwater Public Library was built in 1902 using funds from steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. (Courtesy of the Stillwater Public Library)
Carnegie “described libraries as ‘cradles of democracy’ that ‘strengthen the democratic idea, the equality of the citizen, and the royalty of man,’” said Louise Richardson, president of Carnegie and former head of the University of Oxford. “We still believe this and are delighted to celebrate our connection to the libraries he founded.”
About 1,280 Carnegie libraries still operate and acknowledge their link to Carnegie, making them eligible for the gift, officials said.
The gift recipients can expect to receive a check in January. They may use the funds “however they wish to celebrate the 250th anniversary, further their mission, and benefit their community,” officials said.
“We’re thrilled, surprised and honored to be among the libraries recognized with this gift,” Stillwater Public Library Director Mark Troendle said Tuesday. “We’re so grateful for the initial gift from Andrew Carnegie of $27,500 in the early 1900s to build this library, and for this latest gift … for helping us continue to serve our community in meaningful ways.”
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Troendle said library officials had not yet decided how the money will be spent.
St. Paul Public Library officials plan to use the funds toward technology upgrades at Riverview Library and updates to the “play-and-learn” space for children and families at the St. Anthony Park location, said Library Director Maureen Hartman
“This funding will help us continue to welcome all people to connect, learn, participate and grow,” Hartman said. “It’s a testament to the continued power of libraries as essential community spaces that was part of Carnegie’s original vision.”
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