Alameda Free Library Receives Large Donation From New York Foundation

ALAMEDA, CA — The Alameda Free Library is receiving a $10,000 donation that will help it continue to serve its community, city officials said.

The Carnegie Corporation of New York is donating the money as part of its initiative celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of when the Declaration of Independence was signed, Alamdea city officials said in a press release. It will also honor the nearly 1,300 Carnegie Libraries around the country.

"The Library is grateful for this running opportunity and committed to identifying the best use for these funds that ensures the greatest possible impact," Alameda Library Director Mike Eitner told Patch.

Eitner added that the gift honors both the legacy of the Carnegie Libraries and the role they play in "upholding free access to information."

The Carnegie Corporation of New York was established by Scottish-American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in 1911.

Between 1886 and 1917, he funded the construction of 1,681 public libraries across the United States, including the Alameda Free Library.

The Alameda Carnegie Library was built at the corner of Oak Street and Santa Clara Avenue in the early 1900s — one of 126 Carnegie Libraries constructed in California.

It remained there until it was temporarily relocated to Alameda High School. Today, it is located at 1550 Oak St.

"Our founder, Andrew Carnegie, who championed the free public library movement of the late 19th century, described libraries as cradles of democracy that strengthen the democratic idea, the equality of the citizen, and the royalty of man," Dame Louise Richardson, president of the Carnegie foundation, said. "We still believe this and are delighted to celebrate our connection to the libraries he founded."