CLEARWATER, FL — The Clearwater Public Library System has received a $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York as part of the Carnegie Libraries 250 initiative.
The award, received in January 2026, commemorates the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It recognizes the lasting legacy of libraries funded by Andrew Carnegie across the United States.
Between 1886 and 1917, Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of 1,681 free public libraries nationwide. Approximately 1,280 of these libraries continue to operate and serve their communities, with about 750 still housed in their original buildings.
The original Clearwater Main Library was one of 14 Carnegie-funded libraries built in Florida and opened in 1916. Although the historic building no longer stands, the current Clearwater Main Library occupies the same footprint as the original Carnegie structure.
Dame Louise Richardson, president of Carnegie Corporation of New York and former head of the University of Oxford, stated: “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.’ We still believe this and are delighted to celebrate our connection to the libraries he founded.”
The Clearwater Public Library System will use the funds to support its mission of meeting the informational, educational, recreational, and cultural needs of the Clearwater community through programs, services, and materials for residents of all ages.
The Carnegie Libraries 250 initiative forms part of a broader $20 million effort by the Carnegie Corporation to support civic institutions that promote participation and community engagement in advance of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
