The Logan County District Libraries, formerly the Bellefontaine Carnegie Free Library, has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York in recognition of its long-standing service to the community and its historic connection to the Carnegie library movement.
The Bellefontaine Carnegie Free Library has been a symbol of learning and civic pride since its completion in 1905.
Built with an original grant of $14,000 from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the library was designed by Bellefontaine native William Kauffman and constructed by the Buckeye Churn Company of Sidney.
Its cornerstone sits at the intersection of North Main Street and East Sandusky Avenue, on land once owned by Rebecca Brown, an early advocate for literacy and education in Logan County.
The library’s roots go back even further, to 1871, when Miss Lida Canby began operating a circulating library in Bellefontaine.
That effort evolved into the Brown Library Association, named for Rebecca Brown, whose dream was to create a community library and a “Museum of Natural Curiosities.”
Following her passing in 1887, Brown’s generosity and civic spirit laid the foundation for Bellefontaine’s first public library.
With the support of citizens like Canby and the leadership of the early Library Board, Bellefontaine secured Andrew Carnegie’s contribution in 1902, joining towns across America that benefited from his vision of free public libraries for all.
Today, more than 120 years later, the Logan County District Libraries continue to uphold that legacy, providing access to information, education, and cultural enrichment for the entire community.
The new $10,000 grant will be used to enhance library services for future generations.
“This award not only honors our past but ensures that the spirit of learning and generosity that built this library continues to thrive,” said Beverly Arlequeeuw, Executive Director of the Logan County District Libraries. “We are deeply grateful to Carnegie Corporation of New York for recognizing the enduring impact of libraries like ours.”
For more information about the Logan County District Libraries, including its history and programs, visit www.LoganCountyLibraries.org.
