Public Libraries, not only in New Zealand but around the English speaking world, would not be what they are today if it was not for a Scotsman who dedicated his retirement to philanthropy aimed at education advancement and public interest. Because it is Library week (when we celebrate such things) and because it was the anniversary of his passing last week, today we are paying homage to Andrew Carnegie.
Andrew Carnegie was born on 25 November 1835 in Scotland, but the majority of his life was spent in America with the family emigarating to Pennsylvania in 1848. The majority of his fortune was made in the ironworks trade, whilst always retaining a love of learning and reading. He was an active author, particularly in the political arena. But it is on his "retirement" from the business world that he became an important (and astute) figure in the development of public libraries.
Carnegie very cleverly offered the capital for the building of libraries on the basis that the local authorities provided the land and a reasonable operating budget. It is estimated he assisted in the development of 3000 public libraries throughout America, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and the West Indies.
During his era, Carnegie was often called "the world's richest man". He was also one of the most generous and some sources estimate that over $350million was given away by him, quite an achievement in the late 19th and early 20th century. Andrew Carnegie passed away on 11th August 1919.
To find out more about Andrew Carnegie, here are some references for you.
- The Carnegie Corporation
- New Zealand History website
- Rodney Libraries e-resources (we suggest the Biography Resource Centre or Encyclopedia Britannica)
It just remains to say - Thank you Mr Carnegie.
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