The Corbin Public Library (CPL) received a $10,000 donation from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, which is a foundation established by Andrew Carnegie.
CPL is one of hundreds of libraries across the United States to receive the donation.
Carnegie, born in 1835, funded several thousand libraries after retiring in 1901, claiming he wanted his money to help others and improve education, making free books available to many.
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.
Opened in 1916, CPL is one of 24 Carnegie Libraries in Kentucky built through this historic program.
“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.”
The award is part of “Carnegie Libraries 250,” an initiative celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and honoring the approximately 1,280 Carnegie Libraries that continue to serve their communities.
“This gift honors the long history of Carnegie Libraries and the role they have played in communities nationwide for more than a century, as well as the broader history of philanthropy in America, which is appropriate for our national 250th birthday,” said CPL Director John Baker.
CPL will receive the gift in Jan. of 2026 and may use the funds however they like to celebrate the 250th anniversary.
Patrons are invited to share their Corbin Public Library photos, stories, and community celebrations at carnegielibraries.org.
