Product Description
Familiar landmarks in hundreds of American towns, Carnegie libraries today seem far from controversial. However, Abigail A. Van Slyck shows that the classical facades and symmetrical plans of these buildings often mask a complex and contentious history. “This well-written and extensively researched work is a welcome addition to the history of architecture, librarianship, and philanthropy”.–Joanne Passet, JOURNAL OF AMERICAN HISTORY. 79 photos…. More >>
Free to All: Carnegie Libraries & American Culture, 1890-1920
Tags: 18901920, American, Carnegie, Culture, Free, Libraries
I had to read this book in library school a few years ago. It not only discusses Carnegie’s motives but a number of the different Carnegie libraries across the country and the politics behind building these structures. While I’m not involved in public libraries myself, I feel that this book would be worthwhile reading for most if not all information/library students (because it IS a historical aspect of the information profession) and anyone who truly enjoys their own public library. The Carnegie structures are a legacy that links this effort across the country. If you grew up in a city with a Carnegie library, it’s exciting to travel someplace else and look at its sibling; another library that wasn’t just built but was developed under an intended global initiative. This book is a no-frills, excellent, easy to read description of this attempt.
Rating: 4 / 5