Tacoma Public Library receives $10,000 gift from Carnegie Corporation of New York
TACOMA, WASH.— Tacoma Public Library (TPL) is honored to receive a $10,000 gift from Carnegie Corporation of New York in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The gift recognizes Tacoma’s Carnegie library which opened in 1903 and is one of 42 such libraries in Washington state, and 1,280 active Carnegie libraries nationwide. Today TPL’s Carnegie library is a wing incorporated into the larger structure of the Main Library. The Carnegie Wing currently features the Northwest Room which houses vast local history collections, as well as the Thomas Handforth Gallery and newly remodeled public meeting rooms.
“We’re grateful to receive this generous and unexpected gift, which celebrates the history of Carnegie libraries and the important role public libraries have played in communities throughout the United States.” said Library Director, Amita Lonial.
“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 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 $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York will be received in early 2026. TPL plans to use the funds to further our mission and benefit our community.
Community members are invited to share their Main Library photos, stories, and celebrations at carnegielibraries.org.
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Media contacts:
Tacoma Public Library
Mariesa Bus, Public Information Officer | mbus@tacomalibrary.org | 253.280.2882
Carnegie Corporation of New York
Angely Montilla | AEM@carnegie.org | 347-360-7803
Carnegie’s news release: https://www.carnegie.org/news/articles/hundreds-of-carnegie-libraries-to-receive-10000-gifts-in-celebration-of-united-states-250th-anniversary/
About Tacoma Public Library:
Tacoma Public Library's mission is to empower its community by bringing people together to discover, connect, create, learn, and thrive. Learn more at tacomalibrary.org.