Oregon City, OR. — The Oregon City Public Library will receive a $10,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation, joining more than a thousand historic “Carnegie Libraries” nationwide in celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The gift honors Andrew Carnegie’s legacy of philanthropy and public learning. Between 1886 and 1917, Carnegie funded nearly 1,700 libraries across the United States, which he called “cradles of democracy.” Of those, about 1,280 are still operating as Carnegie Libraries and will each receive a $10,000 grant from the foundation.
“We are extremely grateful to be receiving this generous gift from the Carnegie Corporation,” said Library Director Greg Williams. “Without Andrew Carnegie’s vision and support a century ago, hundreds of communities around America, including Oregon City, would not have the thriving, vital public libraries they have today.”
The unrestricted funds can be used to advance the library’s mission and strengthen community access to services. Williams said the staff plans to use the grant to expand outreach beyond the library’s walls. “We are looking forward to using this gift to help expand our outreach efforts and bring more library services and resources into the community,” he said.
The funds are expected to arrive in January.
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