1914 Carnegie Library

Palmetto's Carnegie Library was one of the first libraries constructed in South Florida and was made possible by a matching grant of $10,000 from Andrew Carnegie. The City of Palmetto contributed $1,000 and the land, while local citizens under the leadership of the Ladies' Library Association provided all the books, library materials, and furnishings. The Carnegie Library was a functioning public library until 1969 when they built the library across the street. The Carnegie Library is now part of the Palmetto Historical Park and is home to the Alice V. Myers Archive Center.

As of 3/1/2022 - Inside the Carnegie Library is a featured display on Andrew Carnegie and the Free Library Movement.

Palmetto was one of 1687 communities in the United States that constructed a new public library thanks to the support of Andrew Carnegie's matching grants. With the contributions of local citizens and the leadership of a committee of local women, Palmetto became one of the first in South Florida to do so. As part of the terms of the matching grant, Carnegie-supported libraries required a basement, and as a result, the second floor is considered the main floor, and the first floor is considered a basement.

Now part of the Palmetto Historical Park, the Carnegie Library is a local history repository. The main floor houses the Alice V. Myers' Archive Center which included city maps, directories, photographs, slides, local family histories, histories of local businesses, and many other unique documents related to the history of the North River area.

From the 1915 Palmetto High School Year Book:

"One of the most beautiful buildings in Palmetto, and one to which Palmettoites point with pride, is the Carnegie Library. It is built of brown pressed brick with concrete trimmings, is seventy (70) feet long by thirty (30) feet wide, and is one story and a basement high.

The main or upper floor contains the library and reading rooms; the interior is beautifully finished in native woods. The reading tables, chairs, and librarian's desk, and all other furniture were made of native cypress by our local novelty works. The library contains about 1,500 volumes donated by the Women's Library Association in Palmetto, and new books are being constantly added.

The Lower floor is fitted up as an auditorium and is used for club meetings and other public gatherings of the town of an educational nature.

The gift of Mr. Carnegie was $10,000, and the town has voted $1,000 annually to support the institution. The library was opened to the public on December 29, 1914, and bids fair to become a strong factor in the educational uplifting of Palmetto."

Stamberg, Susan. How Andrew Carnegie Turned His Fortune Into A Library Legacy, Morning Edition, NPR. August 1st 2013. Accessed October 5th 2021. https://www.npr.org/2013/08/01/207272849/how-andrew-carnegie-turned-his-fortune-into-a-library-legacy.

This entry was created by Palmetto Historical Park staff using Palmetto Historical Park’s records and photos.