The Fargo Public Library is pleased to announce that it has received 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. Grant recipients may use the funds to celebrate the anniversary, further their mission and benefit their communities in whichever way best suits their community’s needs.
“The Fargo Public Library is honored to receive this generous gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The gift will assist us as we build on our 125-year legacy of service to the Fargo community.” Library Director Tim Dirks stated.
Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish immigrant, 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. In 1901, a Carnegie gift of $20,000 funded construction of Fargo’s first public library located at the corner of Roberts St. and 2nd Avenue North. The Fargo Public Library is one of eight public libraries in North Dakota built through this historic program. More information about this grant can be found here. A map of Carnegie Libraries across America can be found at https://carnegie-libraries.carnegie.org/map/
“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,’” said Dame Louise Richardson, president of Carnegie and former head of the University of Oxford. “We still believe this and are delighted to celebrate our connection to the libraries he founded.”
For more information about the Fargo Public Library, its services and a list of upcoming events, call [701.241.1492]