Carnegie Libraries Around Rochester

Andrew Carnegie, the Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist, significantly impacted public education by funding over 2,500 libraries worldwide, with nearly 1,700 in the U.S. His vision was establishing community centers that provided free access to knowledge and self-improvement, reflecting the Progressive-era ideals of education and equality.

Many of the libraries funded by Andrew Carnegie have been repurposed or lost, but around 800 remain open as public libraries and cultural landmarks. Eight of these buildings are within a two-hour drive of Rochester, New York, and five are still functioning as libraries; two have been repurposed as a restaurant and an art gallery. Other Carnegie Library structures, such as 335 Montgomery St., Syracuse; 1022 Main St., Niagara Falls; and 45 S. Main St., Salamanca, still exist throughout the region, but their interiors are inaccessible to the general public. Three Carnegie Libraries are part of Syracuse University, Alfred University, and the old Wells College in Aurora.

Their distinctive architectural features, like symmetrical designs, large windows, and prominent entrances, reflect Carnegie’s commitment to creating inviting spaces for learning. Today, these libraries stand as vital community hubs, showcasing the enduring legacy of Carnegie’s dedication to democratizing knowledge and public welfare.

Greater Rochester

Penn Yan Public Library

214 Main Street
Yates County
Established: 1905
pypl.stls.org

The building still houses the library as originally intended.

Perry Public Library

70 North Main Street
Wyoming County
Established: 1912
perry.owwl.org

The building still houses the library as originally intended.

Warsaw Public Library

130 North Main Street
Wyoming County
Established: 1904
warsawpubliclibrary.org

The building still houses the library as originally intended.

Surrounding Counties

Andover Free Library

40 Main St
Allegany County
Established: 1912
andoverfreelibrary.org

The building still houses the library as originally intended.

Fulton Public Library

160 S 1st Street
Oswego County
Established: 1905
fultonpubliclibrary.org

The building still houses the library as originally intended.

Hornell Public Library

64 Genesee Street
Steuben County
Established: 1911
hornellpubliclibrary.org

The building still houses the library as originally intended.

Lackawanna Public Library

560 Ridge Road
Erie County
Established: 1922
buffalolib.org

The building still houses the library as originally intended.

North Tonawanda Public Library*

240 Goundry Street
Niagara County
Established: 1904
carnegieartcenter.org

*The original Carnegie Library building now houses the Carnegie Art Center.

Olean Public Library*

116 South Union Street
Cattaraugus County
Established: 1908
theoldlibraryofolean.com

*The original Carnegie Library building now houses The Old Library Restaurant.

Have you visited any of these Carnegie libraries?

I’d love to hear from you—please reach out and share your thoughts and experiences.