New England Carnegies

I'm pleased to announce that updates and additions have been made to the "New England Carnegies" web site at http://www.necarnegies.com.

The site was launched in 2006 in order to honor the 85 public library buildings that Andrew Carnegie funded in New England. A page for each library contains a brief history, an historic postcard image, and contemporary photos. Visitors can take a virtual tour that leads them across the six states.

Now the 10 academic Carnegie libraries of the region have been added as well. That list includes the libraries at Smith College and Mount Holyoke College.

Also added are the texts of historic newspaper accounts of Andrew and Louise Carnegie's visit to Worcester, Mass., in 1913. Andrew participated in laying the cornerstones for the three branch libraries that day.

The web site is maintained by Corinne H. Smith, cataloging and reference librarian at Anna Maria College, Paxton, Mass.; csmith@annamaria.edu.

~ Corinne H. Smith, cataloging & reference librarian, Mondor-Eagan Library, Anna Maria College, Paxton

Happy Anniversary to Granby Free Public Library

On December 1, 2007 the Granby Library Trustees held an Open House from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Granby Free Public Library’s Carnegie Building. This Building was officially opened on Nov. 23, 1917. It was built with the help of a $5,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation on land donated in the 1880’s by Dexter Taylor, a descendant of Granby’s original settlers.

December 1 was a day set aside to celebrate the present and remember the past. Food and entertainment were provided, including World War I recipes, baked by Library Trustees. Library staff, some Trustees, and two Granby patrons came dressed in period costume. Original blueprints and architectural renderings of the building were displayed. Many other Carnegie libraries sent the Library cards and other mementos, which were also on display. Entertainment included a performance by Richard Clark, who reenacted Andrew Carnegie’s life. Attendees were given commemorative bracelets and a newspaper entitled Then And Now. A commemorative quilt was on display at the Library and included the thank you Andrew Carnegie cards that school aged children had created. Available for sale were notecards depicting the Library during the different seasons. Also on sale were watercolor prints of the Library… A special cancellation stamp, designed by Library Trustee Nancy Evren, which commemorated the dedication of the Carnegie Library building, was available for use for the first time at the Open House. A time capsule, containing items culled from library patrons’ suggestions, was buried on the library grounds. Senator Gale Candaras presented the Library with a citation from the Commonwealth. Trustee chair, Virginia Snopek, presented Library Director, Jennifer Crosby, with a plaque, listing all the directors of the Library since its inception (pictured above right).

While planning for a future home in a community library, the Trustees of the Granby Free Public Library were proud to provide the Town with this special day of celebration, remembering our past.

~ Virginia Snopek, Trustee Chair, Granby Free Public Library