By Kailey Armstrong—
MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Public Library (MPL) recently received a $10,000 grant from the 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. Muncie’s Carnegie Library was opened in 1904 and is one of 164 Carnegie Libraries in the state of Indiana, with Indiana boasting more Carnegie Libraries than any other state in the US.
“Muncie’s Carnegie Library is significant as the city’s first dedicated public library building. Its construction over 120 years ago marked an important milestone in Muncie’s commitment to public education and civic life,” said Sara McKinley, Carnegie Library Manager & MPL Archivist. “Recognized for its architectural beauty, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and today continues its public service as the Local History and Genealogy branch of Muncie Public Library.”
According to Dame Louise Richardson, president of the Carnegie Corporation Foundation and former head of the University of Oxford, “Our founder, Andrew Carnegie, who championed the free public library movement of the late 19th century, described libraries as ‘cradles of democracy’ that ‘strengthen the democratic idea, the equality of the citizen, and the royalty of man.’ We still believe this and are delighted to celebrate our connection to the libraries he founded.”
Though over 2,500 Carnegie Libraries were built worldwide, only around 800 are still functioning as libraries today, including Muncie’s Carnegie Library. According to McKinley, “The grant will support our ongoing efforts to digitize local historic records and improve their accessibility for researchers.” She noted the funds will be used towards acquiring upgraded document scanning equipment capable of safely handling large-format, fragile materials such as government records and scrapbooks.
Muncie Public Library Director Alan Kornblau also expressed gratitude regarding the grant. “The financial aspect of the grant means the legacy lives on. Andrew Carnegie arguably has done more for libraries in America than anyone else. The fact that the Carnegie Corporation is still supporting public libraries today, more than a century after the initial investment, is a strong indication of the presence and place that these cherished institutions hold in their respective communities. It demonstrates that public libraries are still vital and valued and contribute to a robust quality of life,” he said.
Throughout this historic year, the Carnegie Corporation invites patrons of all Carnegie Libraries nationwide to share their photos, stories, and community celebrations that illustrate their impact. Submissions are accepted at carnegielibraries.org.
Kailey Armstrong is PR Volunteer at Muncie Public Library.
