–The Algona Public Library has received a $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation as part of a special initiative to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence. Algona Public Library Director Lori Walton tells KLGA News that many libraries across the country were unsure if they would receive the funds despite being an original Carnegie Library.
Starting in 1886, Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of 1,681 free public libraries across the country. It was a $10,000 gift in 1903 that established the library in Algona. Walton says they don’t have any specific plans for this latest gift.
Walton says the library is putting together their own plans for the America 250 celebrations this summer.
The Algona Public Library is one of 101 public libraries built across Iowa with money from the Carnegie Corporation. Carnegie funds were used to construct libraries in Estherville (1902), Humboldt (1906), Emmetsburg (1911) , and Britt (1916). You can find a comprehensive map of each Carnegie Library across the country by going online to http://carnegie-libraries.carnegie.org/map/
