New York, NYVisit the Library and Archives In the 1950s, the Columbus branch was my library. My school did not have a library, and we had few books at home, but I could take out six books a week from the library. Every Friday, I would walk to 51st Street and 10th Avenue and climb…
Detroit Lakes, MNVisit the Library and Archives Now in its 112th year of continuous operation as a public library, our community celebrates the library being the crown jewel of downtown Detroit Lakes. From the city’s Christmas tree to concerts, author events, children’s programs, writing workshops, and so much more, our small town is beyond grateful…
Bryan, OHVisit the Library and Archives The Carnegie Library has always been a source of pride for our community, a reminder of the importance of free access to knowledge and gathering spaces. Built in 1903, the building has stood for generations, shaping the lives of countless residents. One of the most meaningful experiences for me…
Maquoketa, IAVisit the Library and Archives I do remember getting my library card as a child — probably somewhere around the mid to late 1950s. I remember fondly librarian Miss Joles. Then, I was mostly interested in horse-related (the entire Walter Farley Black Stallion series, a biography of Man O’War, for example) and other animal-related…
Jacksonville, ILVisit the Library and Archives I have such happy memories visiting this library. Wonderful smells, beautiful architecture, and ornate shelving. I marveled at the second story’s glass flooring that helped keep the area alight. Hot summer visits to the children’s section in the basement were a cool relief in the 1960s before most had…
Elroy, WIVisit the Library and Archives The best job in the world is to run a Carnegie Library in rural America. I have gotten to know, help, and share in the growth of a community of 1,356 people. Even with that small of a size, we average over 100 people a day coming to our…
Milford, INVisit the Library and Archives I am the new library director in Milford, Indiana. The Milford Public Library got its start in 1907 with the Columbian Reading Circle, a women’s group that continues to meet today. Motivated women in Milford, passionate about education and community service, have been the backbone of the library’s support,…
Belmar, NJVisit the Library and Archives I am a retired science teacher working part-time at the Belmar Public Library. We had a book missing for over 25 years, borrowed by a summer visitor who brought it home to Spain with him! Returned all these years later with an apology letter! We have many great community…
Ashtabula, OHVisit the Library and Archives We found this photo in our archives of a young man named Karl, who made a violin from directions he got from a book borrowed at the Ashtabula Public Library in 1957. This story was submitted by a Carnegie Library fan. Got a story? Share it here. Rebeca M…
Cordele, GAVisit the Library and Archives In the 1950s, when I was a boy, I was a frequent visitor to the public library in Cordele, Georgia. (Later, I became a librarian.) The librarian was Martha Lasseter, who ran the place for over 50 years and kept the library open seven days a week. The weekly…