Comments about ‘One for the books’

Very interesting article but I would have liked a little more history. Where were the other libraries in Utah (23)? I would love a follow up to this, perhaps with photos and locations of the others. Thanks

Andrew Carnegie grew up in the small town of Dunfermline, Scotland. The first Caregie Library is there and when I lived there 20 years ago was still very much in use. Carnegie left the children of Dunfermline a $1 million endowment for them to have a party each year at Pittencrieff Park, which he purchased. As a young boy, he was continuously kicked off the private property that is now the park. He vowed he would have it for the children when he got rich and so he did. At one end of the High Street is the Library, the other the Park. They love him in Dunfermline.

I still remember going to the Ogden Carnegie library as a kid. I wish Ogden had not torn it down - it is just an empty space next to the Municipal Building now.

I have many good memories of visiting the Lehi Carnegie Library and browsing the shelves on hot, non-air conditioned summer days. Even though the Library changed locations (across the street to the old High School lunchroom) the building is still prominent in the community.

I spent countless hours in the old St. George library. This article has nailed it spot on... steps leading up to the door, then more steps. What a place to spend quiet summer hours in the cool of the basement in the childrens library, exploring and solving mysteries with Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys! I can still recall the smell of the leather bindings and polish. I don't recall librarians names but I will never forget the faces as they helped a small girl find new stories and places to explore through the magic of books.
When the building was torn down, I felt like a small piece of my soul was torn out as well. Libraries are wonderful places but the old county library will always remain a fond memory.

I was in Ogden two weeks ago and read the plaque on the spot in the city plaza monument documenting the letter Andrew wrote to the city regarding their new Carnegie library he financed in the early 1900s. What a wonderful thing to open the minds and hearts and opportunities of folks in rural cities all across the US. If I remember correctly, the gist of his words are summed up in the statement, "education makes a free, democratic society."

Brigham City also has a very nice old Carnegie library located next to the courthouse in the town square. Although a newer, more modern city libray has been built in back of and on the side of it, much of the historical integrety of the original building remains. I have fond memories as a kid of going there.