Carnegie Library

Carnegie Libraries hold a special place in American history and in the hearts of generations of Americans. Andrew Carnegie helped build 1,681 libraries across the United States, including ours. The  Carnegie Corporation of New York is honoring that legacy with $10,000 gifts to the roughly 1,280 Carnegie Libraries still in operation as part of America’s 250th anniversary.

The Crown Point Community Library will receive a $10,000 gift from Carnegie Corporation of New York, the foundation established by Andrew Carnegie. The award is part of Carnegie Libraries 250, a special initiative celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and honoring the roughly 1,280 Carnegie Libraries still serving their communities across the United States.

Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of 1,681 free public libraries nationwide between 1886 and 1917. Approximately 750 of them continue to use their original buildings, while others have moved to new locations. Opened in 1908, the Crown Point Community Library is one of 164 Carnegie Libraries built in Indiana through this remarkable program. Of those, 106 continue to serve their communities as public libraries today. Indiana holds the distinction of having more Carnegie Libraries than any other state, and the Crown Point Community Library is proud to carry forward that legacy as part of this enduring chapter in library history.

 “We are deeply honored to be recognized by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and to receive this generous gift as part of the Carnegie Libraries 250 initiative. The Crown Point Community Library’s roots as a Carnegie Library are a meaningful part of our community’s history, and this recognition reminds us of the enduring legacy of Andrew Carnegie’s vision for free and equitable access to knowledge. This gift will help us celebrate that legacy while continuing to invest in the Library’s programs, resources, and connections that strengthen our community today,” said Julie Wendorf, Library Director.

The Crown Point Community Library will receive the gift in January 2026.

Patrons are invited to share their photos, stories, and community celebrations from the Crown Point Community Library Carnegie Building at carnegielibraries.org.

To learn more about this initiative, click here.

Carnegie Libraries Across America: Explore an interactive map of Carnegie Libraries
nationwide, each linked to archival documents and historical records.

For the Love of Carnegie Libraries: Discover photographs and personal stories from
Carnegie Libraries and their patrons, and share your own.

A Timeline of Andrew Carnegie’s Library Legacy: Learn about Andrew Carnegie’s
vision and how it continues to guide the efforts of Carnegie Corporation of New York.