October 27, 2025
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Holdrege Area Public Library to Receive $10,000 Gift from Carnegie Corporation of New York
Holdrege, Nebraska — October 27, 2025 — The Holdrege Area 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 but still acknowledge their association with Carnegie.
“This gift honors the history of Carnegie Libraries and the role they have played in communities nationwide for more than a century,” said Sierra Burrows, Library Director. “Our library’s story began with Andrew Carnegie’s belief that access to knowledge empowers individuals and strengthens communities. Today, we continue that legacy by connecting people, ideas, and opportunity right here in Phelps County.”
“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 Corporation of New York 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 Holdrege Area Public Library is honored to be part of this national celebration. Our goal is to continue creating community spaces where learning, connection, and discovery can flourish for generations to come,” said Sierra Burrows, Library Director.