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The Kokomo-Howard County Public Library (KHCPL) will receive a $10,000 gift from Carnegie Corporation of New York, the foundation established by Andrew Carnegie. The award is part of Carnegie Libraries 250, a special initiative celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and honoring the roughly 1,280 Carnegie libraries still serving their communities across the United States.

Scottish immigrant Andrew 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.

“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 Kokomo Public Library loaned its first books in 1886 out of Kokomo High School. The library was then housed in the City Building on Washington and Walnut streets, and it had several other temporary homes. In 1902, Carnegie agreed to fund a permanent home for the library with a $25,000 donation, and the building opened to the public in January 1905. KHCPL was one of 164 Carnegie Libraries in Indiana built through this historic program.

In the 1960s, the building’s deteriorating condition led to library leadership and the board agreeing to construct a new building, which was completed in 1966.

“This gift honors our history as a Carnegie Library,” said KHCPL Director Faith Brautigam. “Andrew Carnegie’s vision to make libraries free and accessible to everyone provided a path for individuals and communities to become their best and that is still our mission today. This generous donation helps us continue to serve everyone in our community well.”

The Kokomo-Howard County Public Library will receive the gift in January 2026. The Carnegie Corporation of New York has deemed that these funds may be used to celebrate the 250th anniversary, further the library’s mission and benefit the community.

Patrons are invited to share their Kokomo-Howard County Public Library photos, stories, and community celebrations at carnegielibraries.org.