Did you know that Essex County is home to 3 Carnegie library buildings and that we once had four Carnegie libraries in our county?
The construction of the buildings was funded by American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Ontario was a major recipient of Andrew Carnegie’s generosity. Only the states of Indiana (164) and California (142) received more Carnegie grants than the province of Ontario which had 111.
Essex County had Carnegie libraries built in Amherstburg, Essex, Kingsville and Leamington.
Amherstburg Carnegie —
Today the Amherstburg branch is the only one still operating as a library. Amherstburg Carnegie Library received a $10,000 Carnegie grant on April 8, 1911. C. Howard Crane, Architect finished the building in 1913.
Photo: Visit Amherstburg Facebook page
Essex Carnegie —
Designed by Crane & Pennington in 1912 it now operates as the Essex and Community Historical Research Society.
Photo: Waymarking.com
Kingsville Carnegie —
The Kingsville Carnegie was built in 1911 and designed by Crane & Pennington and currently operates as The Carnegie Arts and Visitors Centre for the Town of Kingsville.
Photo: MyKingsville.ca
Leamington Carnegie —
The Leamington Carnegie was built in 1910 and designed by John A. Maycock. It was demolished some time prior to 1983.
Photo: Digital Archives Ontario
The Carnegie Library in Windsor, Ontario was at the corner of Park Street and Victoria Avenue. It was torn down in the 1970s and an apartment building – the Carnegie Apartments – was built in its’ place. More information can be found at https://www.windsorpubliclibrary.com/?page_id=65165
Sorry, second question, please: I understand the Carnegie library building in Windsor was the first in Canada – do you know if the building is still standing, please and if so, do you know its location? Thanks ever so much!
Hi Pamela
I don’t know the answer to that question either, but you can contact the Essex County Library by phoning (519) 776-5241 or at their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/EssexCountyLibrary
Thanks
Jody
Hello. Do you know, please, if Mr. Carnegie had a specific connection to Essex County? Did he visit or own property here? Thank you.
Hi Pamela
I don’t know the answer to that question but you can contact the Essex County Library by phoning (519) 776-5241 or at their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/EssexCountyLibrary
Thanks
Jody