The Free Library is being awarded a $170,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York Foundation. 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.

"This generous gift not only honors the history of Carnegie Libraries and the role they have played in communities nationwide for more than a century, but it also helps our libraries advance literacy, inspire curiosity, and strengthen our mission to bring knowledge and community together across Philadelphia. This support helps our libraries advance literacy, inspire curiosity, and strengthen our mission to bring knowledge and community together across Philadelphia." - Kelly Richards, President and Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia

17 Carnegie-founded branches of the Free Library are eligible to receive a $10,000 gift. These historic neighborhood libraries include:

• Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library
• Chestnut Hill Library
• Falls of Schuylkill Library
• Haddington Library
• Holmesburg Library
• Kingsessing Library
• Lillian Marrero Library
• Logan Library
• McPherson Square Library
• Oak Lane Library
• Paschalville Library
• Richmond Library
• South Philadelphia Library
• Tacony Library
• Thomas F. Donatucci, Sr. Library
• Walnut Street West Library
• Wyoming Library

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. The Wyoming Library in Philadelphia is the last Carnegie Library funded by Andrew Carnegie himself. 

"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. We still believe this and are delighted to celebrate our connection to the libraries he founded." - Dame Louise Richardson, President of Carnegie Corporation of New York and former Head of the University of Oxford

The Free Library will receive the gift in January 2026. According to Carnegie, the libraries can use the funds to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, further our mission, and benefit our community.

Patrons are invited to share their Free Library photos, stories, and community celebrations at carnegielibraries.org and communications@freelibrary.org.