Superior Library Receives $10,000 Gift from Carnegie Foundation

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The Superior Public Library in Nebraska has received a $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York as part of the Carnegie Libraries 250 special initiative. The library, which was originally built with funding from Andrew Carnegie in 1908, will use the money to host celebratory events and activities throughout the year to mark the 250th birthday of the United States.

Why it matters

The Carnegie libraries were an important part of the late 19th and early 20th century public library movement in the United States, with Andrew Carnegie funding the construction of over 1,600 free public libraries across the country. The Superior Public Library is one of the approximately 1,280 Carnegie libraries still operating today, making it eligible for this special commemorative gift from the Carnegie Corporation.

The details

The Superior Public Library was established in 1908 after the city passed Ordinance No. 215, which stated that a public library and reading room would be maintained by the city. The library was then able to receive a gift from Andrew Carnegie to build the first brick library in Superior, which was named the Superior Carnegie Library. The city used this Carnegie-funded building for 88 years before moving to the current library building in 1996 and renaming it the Superior Public Library.

• The Superior Ordinance No. 215 establishing the public library was passed and approved on January 7, 1908.
• The original Carnegie-funded library building was used by the city for 88 years, from 1908 until 1996 when the current library building was constructed.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Superior Public Library plans to use the $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation to host a variety of events and activities throughout the year to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.