Theodore Jones
Carnegie Libraries Across America: A Public Legacy (1997)
Author: Theodore Jones
Genre: Nonfiction (Biography)
Book Summary:
This book explores and analyzes the Carnegie Library (Building) Grant Program. After an introduction to the man who initiated and funded the program, Andrew Carnegie, the author discusses the state of public libraries in the United States at the end of the 19th century. Jones goes on to explain the Library Grant Program: how it developed and how communities responded to it. He then talks about the architecture of Carnegie Libraries as well as what it was like to work in and use them. Finally, Jones takes a look at what has happened to these libraries over time and what condition they are in today. Two appendices provide statistics about the program and the libraries.
Geographical Setting: Various states of the United States
Time Period: From 1893 to 1919
Appeal Characteristics:
The most outstanding part of this book is its illustrations and photographs. Old black and white photographs capture the grandeur of library buildings at the turn of the century. Black and white pictures of important supporting players" in the library buildging movement humanize the story for the reader. Diagrams show typical floor plans for the architectually-oriented reader. There are even black and white photographs of the actual construction process during the days when it took horse power and man power, not machine power, to build these edifices. In additon to the photographs of people involved in the Carnegie Library building endeavors, the author also includes information about the various characters, such as background, anecdotes, and the effect these activities had on people in the communities where the libraries were built. Consequently, the author brings a real human-ness to this book which creates an emotional appeal for the reader. Providing personal details about people and communities keeps the book interesting even though the pace is liesurely. Finally, the appendices provide data about Carnegie's library grant program for those who like statistics. An enjoyable, readable book.
Read-alikes: There is something fascinating about reading of people who are helping others. It is interesting to see all the different ways there are for philanthropy and how each approach matches the personality and circumstances of the benefactor. The following books reveal engaging stories of such people. The Cathedral Within: Transformiing Your Life by Giving Something Back by Bill Shore explores how five people around the country are helping others. It shows that one does not have to be rich to do so. The pace is rambling and the tone is informal. The Charitable Impluse: Wealth and Social Consience in Communities and Cultures Outside the United States by James A. Joseph looks more at the reasons people help others than at what they do. It reveals that the desire to help others is not an American phenomena. It is fascinating to see what foreigners are doing. Although a bit philosophical at times, the pace of the stories move quickly. Winthrop Rockefeller, Philanthropist: A Life of Change by John L. Ward captures the humanity of the subject despite his being a Rockefeller. The author reviews Winthrop's many philanthropic endeavors as well as personal information. The story moves quickly and is fun to read. Black and white photographs increase the connection the reader feels for the man. The following two books are interesting in that they are both about native Hoosiers: Eli Lilly and Sam Regenstrief. Eli Lilly, A Life: 1885-1997 by James H. Madison and Regenstrief: Legacy of the Dishwasher King by Wendy Ford both explain how these men made and used their fortunes to help others. Lilly had many philanthropies while Regenstrief focused his interest in the area of health care. Both operated in territory that is familiar to the Indiana reader. It's enjoyable to read about philanthropists closer to home! The book about Lilly was written by a history professor and at times the detail and tone makes it a dry read but the subject is interesting. The Regenstrief book is written like a fiction book, with engaging dialog and colorful characters. It is an easy read. Reading biographies about people's charitable works is enlightening and engrossing and uplifting.
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