Carnegie Libraries in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland
Europe Has Carnegie Libraries Too
Americans tend to think that Carnegie libraries are unique to the United States. Since Andrew Carnegie made his millions in the U.S., much of his philanthropy was focused here as well.
His roots, though, were in Scotland and he funded libraries in that country as well as in Belgium, France, Ireland, Serbia and Great Britain. I bet you didn't know that. At least, I had no idea that there were libraries that he funded in Belgium and Serbia.
Rathmines Public Library - a Carnegie Library - A short video history of the library
The library was built in 1913 with funds from Andrew Carnegie.
Andrew Carnegie - The Richest Man in the World - Book available from Amazon
What inspired the richest man in the world to provide money for building libraries across the United States and Europe? Learn about Andrew Carnegie and how he gained his wealth and used it.
He Had Amazing Wealth, But Started out Poor
This is just a sampling of the libraries. More will be added over time.
Carnegie Libraries in England
These links include photos of the buildings, maps and history of the libraries. Click on any of the links to learn more.
- Carnegie Building, Hartlepool, England
1903 - 1999. It has been restored but is used for library offices, not a public library anymore. - Rushden, Northamptonshire, UK - Carnegie Library
Built in 1905. - Carnegie Library - Hanwell, UK
Opened in 1905. - Winton Library, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK
Opened in 1907. - Tinsley, Sheffield, England
This Carnegie library is closed, boarded up and at-risk. - Walkley, Sheffield, UK
Opened in 1905 and still in use today.
Planning to Visit One of These Buildings?
Be sure to check first to see that the building is still there, what the current use is and if it is open for seeing the interior.
Mansfield Carnegie Library - UK
This handsome building in Mansfield, UK, is typical of Carnegie libraries in other countries. It's solidly built for generations of library users to enjoy. The formal appearance of the building shows the importance of the library in the community.
I Pin the Buildings to my Pinterest Pinboard So I Can Find Them Again Later
Carnegie Libraries in Ireland
These links include photos of the buildings, maps and history of the libraries.
- Listowel, County Kerry, Ireland
This was built in 1929 to replace the first Carnegie Library that burned. It is now a Youth Center. - Portadown, County Armagh, Ireland
To get to the Carnegie Free Library in Portadown, Co. Armagh, of course! (Sorry, couldn't resist!) This photo must have been taken after 1904 given the dates carved over the doors. But our best hope for dating this one is perhaps from the posters…It'
Carnegie Libraries in Wales
These links include photos of the buildings, maps and history of the libraries.
- Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales - Carnegie Library
Built in 1907, this is still in use as a library today. The collection is the only non-English Carnegie library. - Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales, UK - Carnegie Library
Opened in 1905
1923 Book about Carnegie Libraries
More of My Pages about Carnegie Libraries
- Carnegie Libraries North Carolina
Andrew Carnegie funded a number of libraries in the state of North Carolina in the early 1900s. Learn more about these handsome buildings and their importance to the communities.
© 2011 Virginia Allain
