This page was created using information from the Carnegie Corporation of New York website and a press release celebrating the corporation's gift to our library written by Library Director Jane Millard. Her unabridged article discussing the gift can be found here.
Carnegie Libraries hold a special place in American history and in the hearts of generations of Americans. Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of 1,681 free public libraries in the United States between 1886 and 1917.
As part of the Carnegie Libraries 250 special initiative, his philanthropic foundation reached out to each library and established that about 1,280 are still in operation serving their communities and acknowledge their link to Carnegie, making them eligible for the celebratory gift. Approximately 750 of these communities continue to use their original buildings, while others have moved to new locations.
The historic Carnegie building of the Jefferson Public Library has been in continuous use as Jefferson’s library since 1904. Originally, the Library was located above a downtown bank on the theater block. It opened in 1901 following a vote by city residents to approve a tax to support the operation of the library.
This was the first time women were allowed to vote in Jefferson. Local women’s clubs held fundraising events to purchase the first collection of books to fill the library shelves. The Library proved to be a popular and successful endeavor.
In 1902, Henry Haag, a library trustee and member of the city council, wrote a letter to Andrew Carnegie requesting funds to build a library building. Andrew Carnegie’s gift of $10,000 was received, the City employed an architect, and the new building opened in 1904.
An addition to the Carnegie building was built and opened in 1966.
The Carnegie Corporation of New York’s funding is part of a broader $20 million national initiative designed to support civic institutions that bring people together, encourage participation, and strengthen community life.
"This gift comes at an opportune time when our Library is planning to expand,” said Tom Yepsen, president of the board. “Once again, our community is benefiting from the generosity of Mr. Carnegie.”
The Jefferson Public Library is planning a 4,000 square foot addition in the near future. The Library has been working with architects from Studio Melee in West Des Moines on conceptual designs.
"Using this gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York for the new addition is a unique way of tying the past with the future,” added Jane Millard, Library Director.
The public is invited to learn more about the Carnegie Corporation and Carnegie libraries through the "Carnegie Libraries" website. The site features user-submitted content from library fans, historians, and patrons. Patrons are encouraged to submit their own stories and photos of their experience at the Jefferson Carnegie Library.