Community Corner
Westfield Memorial Library Receives $10,000 Grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York
The award is part of the Carnegie Corporation's nationwide commemoration of the 250 Anniversary of the United States.
Westfield, NJ - February 4, 2026 - The Westfield Memorial Library is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The grant recognizes the enduring role of public libraries in strengthening democracy, expanding access to knowledge, and fostering informed and engaged communities.
The award is part of the Carnegie Corporation’s nationwide commemoration of the Semiquincentennial, honoring institutions that reflect Andrew Carnegie’s historic commitment to free public libraries as cornerstones of civic life.
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“We are deeply honored to receive this generous gift from the Carnegie Corporation,” said Allen McGinley, Director of Westfield Memorial Library. “Public libraries continue to embody the democratic ideals at the heart of our nation.”
This is not the first time that Westfield has received a gift on behalf of the billionaire industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The Scottish immigrant led a massive expansion of the U.S. steel industry in the late 19th century. He sold his company to J.P. Morgan in 1901 for more than $400 million, eventually donating nearly 90% of his fortune to libraries, universities, and international peace initiatives.
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From 1886 to 1917, Mr. Carnegie funded the construction of more than 1,600 free public libraries throughout the United States. These libraries are commonly referred to as "Carnegie" libraries due both to their famous benefactor, and distinctive architectural style.
Westfield’s first free public library opened in 1907 near the corner of Broad and Elmer Streets, funded by a $10,000 donation from Andrew Carnegie, and smaller donations from 80 Westfield residents.
The library moved from its original location to the municipal building in 1954, and again to its present location in 1988. Westfield's library has grown from a collection of 5,000 books when it first opened in 1907, to more than 135,000 books and other items today.
“As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, libraries continue to serve as trusted spaces for dialogue, discovery, and lifelong learning,” McGinley added. “And this gift could not come at a better time, as we work to improve the library’s current building and ensure that it will continue to meet the evolving needs of Westfield residents for years to come.”
The library will be hosting several upcoming events related to the 250th anniversary of the United States, including talks about the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route on March 4th at 7:00pm, and The Forgotten Victory Trail on March 11th at 11:00am. These events are free and open to the public, but registration is required.
For more information, visit the library’s website at wmlnj.org.
About Westfield Memorial Library
Westfield Memorial Library is a public library dedicated to providing free and equitable access to information, resources, and cultural experiences for residents of Westfield and the surrounding community. Through innovative programming and responsive services, the Library advances literacy, lifelong learning, and civic engagement.
About Carnegie Corporation of New York
Established in 1911 by Andrew Carnegie to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding. Today the foundation works to reduce political polarization through philanthropic support for the issues that Carnegie considered most important: education, democracy, and peace.
