Marlborough's Carnegie Library

Marlborough's Carnegie Library. Marlborough, Massachusetts. In 1901, faced with an increasing demand for library space, Marlborough's Mayor Walter Morse sought the help of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie whose library charities grew to include 1,689 libraries in the United States and 2,509 worldwide. , Our library had begun in 1871 with a large initial donation of books from the Mechanics Institute and the generosity of general store owner Edward Bigelow who later earned the title “Father of the Marlborough Public Library”. Over time, the library outgrew its space, and in 1901, Mayor Morse and Bigelow became the driving forces in a campaign to raise funds for a new building. , Beginning in 1883, Carnegie had become a well-known contributor to the growth of public libraries and personally gave over $60 million in donations. , The city created a presentation book containing facts and photos about the present library, the city, and the need for money to build a new facility. The mayor's persistent efforts to connect with Carnegie eventually paid off. Carnegie awarded the city $30,000 for the new library, with the stipulation that the city furnish the land and no less than $3,000 a year for its support. , The library's design followed the “Carnegie Classic” style of rectangular rock construction. , Two prominent citizens, S.H. Howe and John A. Frye, donated the land. Marlborough's Carnegie Library was dedicated on October 20, 1904 with 3,500 people attending. , One of the outstanding features of the library is the large collection of original paintings titled “Homesteads of Marlborough” painted by Ellen Carpenter. , [Captions (bottom, left to right)] Andrew Carnegie . Mayor Walter Burleigh Morse