Santa Cruz Public Libraries has received a $20,000 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.
“Carnegie’s formula was simple. He agreed to build the library if the local jurisdiction committed to funding its operations for the future. Like communities across the country, Santa Cruz took advantage of the offer and originally built four ‘Carnegie’ branches, of which only Garfield Park remains as a library,” said Christopher Platt, Director of Libraries. “Two of the original libraries were replaced and the third currently serves as the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.”
Designed by W.H. Weeks and constructed by W.A. White, the Garfield Park Branch Library, opened in 1915, is one of 121 existing Carnegie Libraries in California built through this historic program.
Santa Cruz Public Libraries will use the funds to acquire materials that highlight the history of the nation’s democracy and its founding documents, illuminate how the government works, and promote understanding of the roles and rights as citizens and residents to celebrate the 250th anniversary.
Patrons are invited to share their Garfield Park Branch Library photos, stories and community celebrations at carnegielibraries.org.
