Alameda briefs: Carnegie foundation to give city's library system $10,000

"The Alameda Free Library will receive a $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corp. of New York, a foundation established by Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie, who funded the construction of 1,681 free public libraries nationwide between 1886 and 1917. This donation is part of the Carnegie Libraries 250 initiative, a nationwide program celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and honoring the approximately 1,280 Carnegie Libraries still serving their communities."

"Dame Louise Richardson, the president of Carnegie Corp. of New York and former leader of Great Britain's University of Oxford, echoed this sentiment. 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."

"at the corner of Oak Street and Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda's historic Carnegie Library first opened in 1903, served generations of Alamedans until it closed in 1998 and is one of 126 Carnegie Libraries built in California. Alameda's Main Library at 1550 Oak St. is served by AC Transit routes 21 and 51A. The city's West End Library at 788 Santa Clara Ave. is also served by AC Transit Route 51A, and bicycle parking racks are available at both branches. The Bay Farm Island Library is at 3221 Mecartney Road, and all three locations are wheelchair-accessible."

A $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corp. of New York will go to the Alameda Free Library as part of the Carnegie Libraries 250 initiative. The Carnegie Corp., founded by Andrew Carnegie, previously funded 1,681 free public libraries between 1886 and 1917; about 1,280 Carnegie libraries still serve communities today. Alameda’s historic Carnegie Library opened in 1903 at Oak Street and Santa Clara Avenue, closed in 1998, and is one of 126 built in California. The gift recognizes the legacy of Carnegie Libraries and the role of public libraries in upholding free access to information. Three Alameda branches provide transit access, bicycle parking and wheelchair accessibility, with more details available online or by phone.

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