The Carnegie Library: Evolution and Adaptation

The Carnegie Library is a valuable case study because it demonstrates how a gifted building can evolve and adapt as a response to the changing needs of a community. Located where N Thayer and E Huron meet, the site is a rich piece of Ann Arbor’s history that is largely unknown today. Although only the northern facade of the original library remains, the structure was once a library used by students, the public, and various associations as a source of knowledge, a common meeting place, and a unifying component of the community.

Before the introduction of Carnegie’s influence into the city, Ann Arbor High School had operated their own small library since 1858 within the school building. By 1883 the library had expanded to occupy its own floor, received its first librarian, and became open to the public rather than just the students of the high school. In 1904, the school board and city of Ann Arbor applied for a Carnegie grant to construct a new library and secured a $30,000 grant. Despite obtaining the funds, the Ann Arbor High School burnt down in December of 1904, delaying construction. As a result, the Carnegie library and a new high school were built in conjunction.

The Carnegie Library was a grand structure that held many physical qualities similar to those of other libraries sponsored by the philanthropist. The majority of Carnegie Libraries were influenced by the classical revival style that was prominent in the late 1800s to mid 1900s. Architects Malcomson and Higginbotham of Detroit incorporated elements of this style into the Ann Arbor library, designing pillars, grand windows, high ceilings, and centered staircases. The school board was extremely pleased with the result, calling the building “beautiful and commodious.” At the time of its construction, it was the only Carnegie library to exist that was attached to another building.

Throughout its lifespan, the library has exemplified the dynamics of gift giving that were set into motion following the building’s construction in 1907. Carnegie was a philanthropist well-known for ideals centered in social and educational advancement. He promoted an attitude of “helping those who help themselves” in opposition to the alms giving that was common in philanthropy at the time. Carnegie typically funded the construction of the building but required the communities to supply the books as well as fund operation and maintenance to emphasize responsibility and reciprocated investment. This role was assumed by various groups, including the Ladies Library Association, who provided their own books and librarians through annual dues.

After half a century of successful operation, the Ann Arbor school board sold the high school library building to the University of Michigan in 1953 for $1.4 million dollars. The library district remained in the building for an additional 4 years until the university decided to remodel and enlarge the building, naming the updated structure the Henry S. Frieze Building to honor a classics professor who had served as acting president in 1880 and 1887. The site underwent another transformation in 2007, when the Frieze Building was demolished for a new dormitory, now known as North Quad. The entirety of the original structure aside from the north facade of the Carnegie Library was destroyed as a result of the new construction.

Even though the building served a crucial role in sustaining the thriving library branch, it is difficult to ignore the fact that it served its intended purpose for just short of 50 years. As mentioned before, it was the city’s responsibility to maintain the building in alliance to Carnegie’s philanthropic philosophy. However, former library director Gene Wilson observed in 1951 that the library was decaying, cluttered, and chaotic. The lack of upkeep of the gift ultimately led to the demolition of the Frieze Building in 2007. However, the lasting legacy of the Carnegie Library as a gift can still be explored.

Particularly insightful is the city’s debate held over the destruction of the Frieze building. Although flawed and decrepit, many people argued to preserve the Frieze for its rich history and architectural value. Some Ann Arbor residents and Michigan alumni agreed that the decision to demolish seemed “cavalier”; others felt personal connections to their time spent in the building. One graduate said, “It was flawed… but for me it was perfect.” The argument stands in parallel to the continued reciprocity of gift giving, as it can be inferred that part of the community felt an obligation to protect the gift that was given to them, despite the state of disrepair.

This poses the question: if the library had not been a gift, would there have been the same movement to preserve its history? The incorporation of the original facade of the library into current day North Quad exemplifies the continued reciprocity, considering the original library could have been demolished completely. However, it can also be argued that the facade represents a lack of reciprocity, since the majority of the building as well as its intended function no longer exists. Non-reciprocity introduces a new element to the gift giving dynamics, since the giver takes a risk in assuming their gift will be returned. In this case, Carnegie took a risk on the city of Ann Arbor, who failed to reciprocate by preserving the entirety of the library.

The facade that exists today can serve as a lasting tribute to the gift and the gift giver—or it can be a painful reminder of the city’s failure to protect the gift. However, this dichotomy would not exist without the adaptation of the Carnegie Library over time in response to a changing world. The evolution of the gift from the original high school and library to the renovated Frieze building and lastly to the facade on North Quad indicates how a gift is able to adapt to the needs of the community. Ultimately, the gift is only as significant as the city desires and the current community will inevitably determine this through the library’s next evolutionary phase. Will what remains of the gift continue to provide value, or will it fall further into insignificance?

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