The Contra Costa County Library is pleased to announce that three of its historic branches—Antioch, Concord, and Walnut Creek—have been selected to receive $10,000 each from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. This gift, totaling $30,000 for the county, is part of a nationwide initiative commemorating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Carnegie Corporation is extending the gifts to all remaining Carnegie Libraries across the United States. The effort honors the legacy of Andrew Carnegie, who personally funded the construction of 1,681 free public libraries in the U.S. between 1886 and 1917. Carnegie viewed these institutions as fundamental to civic life, famously calling them “cradles of democracy.” Approximately 1,280 libraries continue to operate today, maintaining their essential connection to the Carnegie legacy.
The funding will be used to enhance and expand programs and collections tailored to the needs of the Antioch, Concord, and Walnut Creek communities.
“This award is a wonderful affirmation of the enduring value of public libraries,” said County Librarian Alison McKee. “These funds will allow us to deepen our commitment to providing vital resources and programming for the patrons in these three communities.”
In 1914, the County Library successfully requested $7,500 from the Corporation to establish libraries in Antioch, Concord, and Walnut Creek. The original Antioch Carnegie Library is still standing at 519 F Street and following its years as a library, has housed the Senior Citizens Center, city recreation department, and Antioch Historical Center. The original Concord Carnegie building served as a library until 1959, when it was demolished. The Walnut Creek library was dedicated on August 22, 1916, and served as a library until 1959, and was demolished in 1961.
