Carnegie libraries: a spatial model that is still relevant

Authors

  • José-Pablo Gallo-León University of Alicante image/svg+xml
  • Pedro Quílez-Simón Biblioteca Regional de Murcia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3145/thinkepi.2026.e20a06

Keywords:

Library buildings, Library design, Library architecture, Public libraries, Carnegie libraries

Abstract

At a point in time when we are seeking models for the design of public library spaces that can adapt to changing needs, we can look back to the examples set by Andrew Carnegie’s libraries. Together with his secretary, James Bertram, he proposed guidelines for the design of his libraries that reflect a vision of the public library which remains largely relevant today. Despite the limitations of the era, Carnegie’s model is one that can be emulated and adapted to our own times.

References

Bertram, J. (1911). Notes on the erection of library bildings [sic] [Pamphlet]. Carnegie Corporation. https://dlc.library.columbia.edu/carnegie/centennial/cul:dv41ns1t37

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Published

2026-07-25

How to Cite

Gallo-León, J.-P., & Quílez-Simón, P. (2026). Carnegie libraries: a spatial model that is still relevant. Anuario ThinkEPI, 20. https://doi.org/10.3145/thinkepi.2026.e20a06

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Societal impact


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Section

Bibliotecas y servicios de información y documentación