The Pulaski County Public Library has been awarded a $10,000 gift from Carnegie Corporation of New York, the foundation established by Andrew Carnegie. The award is part of Carnegie Libraries 250, a special initiative celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and honoring the roughly 1,280 Carnegie Libraries still serving their communities across the United States.
Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of 1,681 free public libraries nationwide between 1886 and 1917. Approximately 750 of them continue to use their original buildings, while others have moved to new locations. Opened in 1916, the Carnegie building of the Winamac Public Library (now the Pulaski County Public Library) is one of 158 Carnegie Libraries in Indiana built through this historic program.
“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,’” said Dame Louise Richardson, president of Carnegie and former head of the University of Oxford. “We still believe this and are delighted to celebrate our connection to the libraries he founded.”
The library will receive the gift in January 2026, and may use the funds however it wishes to celebrate the 250th anniversary, further the library’s mission, and benefit the local community.
Patrons are invited to share their Pulaski County Public Library photos, stories, and community celebrations at carnegielibraries.org.
Over 100 years after Andrew Carnegie’s initial gift, local philanthropist Steve Galbreath carried forward that spirit of generosity by funding a renovation of the upstairs area in the Winamac Carnegie Library in memory of his mother, Delores. His thoughtful gift helped ensure this beloved local landmark remains a cornerstone for generations to come.
Our library is strengthened by philanthropic gifts of all sizes. They help us provide vital community programming, such as the Imagination Library, to all children in Pulaski County. If you believe in the power of libraries and want to join in on giving, you can learn more or donate online at www.pcplf.org.