Carnegie Libraries of Michigan

Carnegie Libraries of Michigan In all, there were 61 Carnegie Libraries built in Michigan between 1901 and 1918.

Today, more than two dozen still operate as libraries and another 20 are used for a variety of cultural purposes, remaining a key historic element of their respective towns.

11/29/2025

We need more Carnegie thinking people in the world!

Attention Michigan Carnegie Libraries!!!
10/29/2025

Attention Michigan Carnegie Libraries!!!

Carnegie Libraries across the United States will each receive a $10,000 gift to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence through a special initiative by Carnegie Corporation of New York.

The libraries can use the funds—which are set to be delivered in January 2026—however they wish to celebrate the 250th, further their mission, and benefit their community.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/3WVyaI2

Wow this is exciting!!!
10/28/2025

Wow this is exciting!!!

We’re excited to announce that our library is receiving a $10,000 gift from Carnegie Corporation of New York as part of , an initiative marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Carnegie Libraries hold a special place in American history and in the hearts of generations of Americans. Learn more at carnegie.io/47kNpzh

🗺️ Find Carnegie Libraries across America on this interactive map: carnegie-libraries.carnegie.org

💌 Submit your memories and photos to the Carnegie Libraries digital archives: carnegielibraries.org

At an event this week at the Port Huron Museums, someone asked if Dale Carnegie was related to Andrew Carnegie.“Dale Car...
09/28/2025

At an event this week at the Port Huron Museums, someone asked if Dale Carnegie was related to Andrew Carnegie.

“Dale Carnegie, whose original surname was Carnagey, changed it to Carnegie to associate himself with the prominent industrialist and philanthropist.”

Mean it was all a marketing ploy…

08/28/2025

We can’t wait to check out this new boutique hotel in St. Joseph!

FYI
08/28/2025

FYI

By PAMELA JANSSON [email protected] IRONWOOD — Due to ongoing construction, the Ironwood Carnegie Library closed on Tuesday and will not reopen until Sept. 8. Ironwood city manager Paul Anderson reported at a Monday meeting of the Ironwood City Commission that Ruotsala Construction Inc. ...

Not Michigan but we had to share this beautiful transformation of a former Wisconsin Carnegie library!
07/21/2025

Not Michigan but we had to share this beautiful transformation of a former Wisconsin Carnegie library!

An expansion is underway at the Ironwood Carnegie Library in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.Did you know this was the very F...
06/29/2025

An expansion is underway at the Ironwood Carnegie Library in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Did you know this was the very FIRST Carnegie Library built in Pure Michigan?

Historical Society of Michigan Michigan's Upper Peninsula Library of Michigan Michigan Library Association Promote Michigan Michigan Arts and Culture Council Travel Ironwood

You can help Michigan’s first Carnegie library!
05/02/2025

You can help Michigan’s first Carnegie library!

An effort to expand the oldest operating Carnegie Library in Michigan is happening in Ironwood. This effort wi...

Back when million/billionaires made positive contributions to the local communities (worldwide).
03/28/2025

Back when million/billionaires made positive contributions to the local communities (worldwide).

From bobbin boy earning $1.20 a week to becoming the wealthiest man in America, Andrew Carnegie's journey began in 1848 when he arrived from Scotland at age 12. Through determination and business acumen, he built an empire in steel production, revolutionizing American industry.

By 1901, Carnegie sold his steel company to J.P. Morgan for $303 million - equivalent to $12 billion today. But it's what he did next that truly defined his legacy.

Instead of hoarding his wealth, Carnegie donated an astounding $350 million (nearly $11 billion in today's money) to build over 2,500 libraries across America and fund numerous universities, foundations, and peace initiatives.

His free public libraries brought knowledge to millions who couldn't afford books, transforming education in America. To this day, many Carnegie libraries still serve their communities, standing as monuments to one immigrant's belief that knowledge should be accessible to all.

When asked about giving away 90% of his fortune, Carnegie said: "The man who dies thus rich, dies disgraced." He lived by these words until his death in 1919.

Sources: Carnegie's autobiography, J.P. Morgan purchase agreement, Carnegie Foundation records

Address

235 E Aurora St
Ironwood, MI
49938

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Carnegie Libraries of Michigan posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share