CARNEGIE'S GIFT TO JACKSONVILLE

     (Source of picture: Florida State Archives)

Making steel made Andrew Carnegie the world's richest man a century ago.  During the early 1900s, Carnegie gave away part of his fortune to help build over 2,800 public libraries across America.  Jacksonville proved no exception.  To assist with a library's construction, Carnegie offered the city $50,000, or over one million dollars in today's currency. 

Jacksonville wasn't exactly waiting with open arms, though.  In 1902, local residents narrowly approved the money's acceptance by a vote of 640 to 625.  The Carnegie funds then went toward the distinctive building shown above.  Designed by well-known Jacksonville architect, Henry Klutho, the library opened in 1905.  Jacksonville can boast of having the oldest tax-supported library system in Florida.

The photo dates from approximately 1905 to 1917.  Fortunately, the wonderful old building still survives.  Serving as Jacksonville's main library until 1965, the structure now houses the offices of a law firm.  It stands at 101 East Adams Street, three blocks northeast of the Jacksonville Landing.