(Atlantic, Iowa) — The Atlantic Public Library will receive 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 1903 our library is one of 93 public libraries in Iowa built through this historic program. 48 are still in use as their local public library today.

“This gift is truly unexpected. I even spent a few minutes researching if it was real when I opened my inbox earlier this week,” said Michelle Andersen, director. “The staff and library trustees will discuss how to use the over the next couple of months before making a final decision.”

Atlantic (Iowa) Public Library

“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 in any way we choose to celebrate the 250th anniversary, further our mission, and/or for the benefit of our community.

Patrons are invited to share their Atlantic Public Library photos, stories, and community celebrations at carnegielibraries.org.