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Library loop: The legacy of Carnegie libraries

Carnegie libraries refer to public libraries that were built with funding from the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist, believed in the importance of education and access to knowledge. Between 1883 and 1929, Carnegie funded the construction of over 2,500 libraries worldwide, with the majority of them being built in the United States.

The Carnegie libraries had a significant impact on American communities by providing free access to books, education, and resources. They played a crucial role in promoting literacy and learning, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas where access to books and information was limited

Modern public libraries have evolved significantly since the era of Carnegie libraries. Here are some key differences and advancements:



1.Architecture and Design: Carnegie libraries were often grand architectural structures designed to be visually appealing and symbolize the importance of knowledge. Modern public libraries also prioritize architectural design but tend to focus more on functionality and adaptability. They incorporate modern design elements and utilize sustainable practices.

2.Technological Integration: Modern public libraries have embraced technology as a crucial part of their services. They offer computer access, free Wi-Fi, and digital resources such as e-books, audiobooks, and online databases. Carnegie libraries, on the other hand, were primarily centered around physical books and printed materials.



3.Multifunctional Spaces: Modern libraries are designed to be more than just repositories of books. They often have designated areas for collaborative work, meeting rooms, makerspaces, and multimedia centers. These spaces encourage community engagement, creativity, and lifelong learning.

4.Digital and Virtual Services: With the rise of the internet, modern libraries have expanded their services beyond physical locations. Many libraries offer virtual platforms and digital services, such as online book borrowing, remote access to research databases, and virtual programming and events.

5.Community Engagement: While both Carnegie libraries and modern libraries focus on community engagement, modern libraries put a greater emphasis on connecting with diverse populations. They offer programming and services tailored to specific community needs, including language classes, job search assistance, literacy programs, and workshops on various topics.

6.Access to Information: Carnegie libraries were established during a time when access to information was limited, and libraries were often the primary source of knowledge. Today, the internet provides vast amounts of information, making modern libraries more focused on curating reliable and credible sources, promoting information literacy, and guiding users through the abundance of information available.

7.Inclusivity and Accessibility: Modern public libraries strive to be inclusive and accessible to all individuals, regardless of age, abilities, or backgrounds. They prioritize accessibility features, such as ramps, elevators, and assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities. They also offer diverse collections that reflect the needs and interests of a multicultural society.

While Carnegie libraries laid the foundation for the public library system in the United States and beyond, modern libraries have adapted to the changing needs of communities and the digital age. They continue to serve as important educational and community hubs, providing access to information, promoting literacy, and fostering lifelong learning.

Incline Village Library – 845 Alder Ave. 775-832-4030

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.: Family Story Time – For children of all ages, with a focus on enjoying literacy and language as a family.

Tuesdays 2–7 pm and Fridays 10 a.m.–3 p.m.: Book a Librarian – get 50 minutes of one-on-one help from a librarian. Get help with filling out forms, troubleshooting phones/tablets/laptops, library apps such as Libby, check out virtual reality headsets and more!

Wednesday, Aug 2, 4 p.m. – Young Shakespeare: As You Like It. Get ready for Shakespeare on the lake by bringing the family out for this one-hour interactive family-friendly adaptation of Shakespeare’s Comedy.

Thursday, Aug. 3, 3 p.m. – IV Quad Makerspace – Sublimation printing on a coaster.

Saturday, Aug. 5, 2 p.m. – Encore IV Quad – can’t make it to Thursday’s Quad event? Come on over on Saturday for a second chance to make Thursday’s project.

Thursday, July 13, 4 p.m. – Paws 2 Read – Come read to a friendly dog and get a free book!

Kings Beach Library – 301 Secline St. 530-546-2021

Summer Reading Program is in full swing! Check it out at: https://www.placer.ca.gov/8019/Summer-Fest-at-Your-Library-2023

Tues. 10:30-11 a.m. Preschool Storytime with Mr. Matthew. Songs, rhymes, and silly fun!

2nd Friday of each month. Baby Lapsit Storytime. 10:30-11 a.m. Early Literacy songs, rhymes, and play for babies and their caregivers. 0-18 months. Playtime afterwards.

Sat. July 29th 1-3 p.m. End of Summer Program Reading Party! Games, activities, bubble machine and more. Guaranteed fun!

Wed. Aug. 2nd Novel Ideas Book Club! 2-3:30 p.m. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. Kings Beach Library

Grab a take home craft to create at your child’s leisure. New craft every 2 weeks. All parts provided except glue and scissors.

We offer 4 computers with high-speed internet access, copying, scanning, faxing, and free WiFi.

Did you know can check-out a California State Park Pass from the library? Good for day use for 1 week at most California State Parks.

Tahoe City Library – 740 North Lake Blvd. 530-583-3382

Thursdays 10:30-11 a.m. Preschool Storytime with Miss Bree. Fun with songs, books, and rhymes.

Friday July 28 1-2:30 p.m. “Build a Band”. Make a Tambourine, Kazoo, Rhythm shaker, and microphone so you can make music all summer long. Ages 4+

Saturday Aug. 5 1-3 p.m. End of Summer Reading Party! Face painting, Tie-Dye, and general fun!

Grab a take home craft to create at your child’s leisure. New craft every 2 weeks. All parts provided except glue and scissors.

We offer 4 computers with high-speed internet access, copying, scanning, faxing, and free WiFi.

We have a nice selection of used books for sale in our foyer. Check them out!

Did you know can check-out a California State Park Pass from the library? Good for day use for 1 week at most California State Parks.

Truckee Library WorkSpace – 10879 Donner Pass Rd. Suite A

The Truckee Library has temporarily relocated to the WorkSpace at 10879 Donner Pass Rd. Suite A, in front of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. Holds pickup will be available as well as a browsable collection, computers, wifi, and printing. The library, which will undergo a refresh of new flooring, paint, and furniture, is estimated to re-open in October.

The Nevada County Summer Learning program runs through August 11.

Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. through August 8: Outdoor Preschool Storytime at Truckee Regional Park next to the Farmer’s Market. Join us for music, books, bubbles and more!

Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.: Pop-Up Makerspace July 28 at 4 PM at Truckee Regional Park: Shyhoopz Hula Hoop Workshop

July 29 at 10 a.m.: English Conversation Club. Grupo de Conversación en Inglés

July 29 at 11 a.m.: Pop-Up Makerspace

August 1 at 4:30 p.m.: Bilingual Storytime. Hora de Cuentos Bilingüe – held at the Joseph Center, Donner Room.

August 1 at 5 p.m.: English Conversation Club. Grupo de Conversación en Inglés

August 5 at 10 a.m.: English Conversation Club. Grupo de Conversación en Inglés

August 5 at 11 a.m.: Pop-Up Makerspace

August 9 at 2 p.m.: NorCal Bats. Program held at the Joseph Center, Donner Room.

August 11 at 4 p.m.: Conservation Ambassadors’ Wild Things. Program held at the Joseph Center, Donner Room.


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