Carnegie Corporation Gifts $20,000 To Norwalk Public Library

NORWALK, CT — The Norwalk Public Library recently received two grants from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the library announced earlier this month.

According to a news release provided by the library, the Carnegie Corporation distributed a $10,000 grant to hundreds of libraries through its "Carnegie Libraries 250" initiative, through which the Norwalk library received two.

"We are happy to be among the grant recipients, and we are grateful that the Carnegie Corporation commemorated the 250th anniversary in such a generous way," Norwalk Library Director Sherelle Harris said in a news release. "Norwalk is unique in receiving two grants due to having two Carnegie libraries in one city."

According to the release, Andrew Carnegie, the Scottish immigrant who founded the corporation and funded the construction of 1,681 free public libraries in the United States, believed public libraries were crucial for strong communities.

The awards allocated to the Norwalk Public Libraries provide flexibility in how the funds are used, supporting efforts that bolster the library's mission and foster community engagement, according to the library.

In 1901, the Norwalk Public Library applied for and received a $20,000 Carnegie grant to construct the building that stands on the corner of Belden Avenue, the release notes.

Shortly after, South Norwalk Library applied for and accepted a $20,000 Carnegie grant in 1908.

Both buildings are among the six remaining Carnegie libraries in Connecticut, according to the release.

Additional details on the history of both libraries is available on the library's website.