This week, the Library received the surprising and exciting news that we will be awarded a $10,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. As part of their celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Carnegie Corporation is awarding grants to all Carnegie Libraries across America.
Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of 1,681 free public libraries nationwide between 1886 and 1917, one of which being San Rafael’s very own Downtown Library. Though many of those libraries still exist today, our Downtown Library is one of roughly 750 Carnegie Libraries which still utilize their original building to serve their community.
Libraries which receive this grant may use the funds in any way they choose to mark the anniversary, further their mission, and benefit their community. San Rafael’s Library & Recreation department looks toward utilizing the funding to expand the Library’s public programming and create new opportunities for community engagement.
To learn more about this grant, click here.