The Rockland Public Library will receive a $10,000 gift from Carnegie Corporation of New York, the foundation established by Andrew Carnegie. The award is part of Carnegie Libraries 250, a special initiative celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and honoring the roughly 1,280 Carnegie Libraries still serving their communities across the United States.

Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of 1,681 free public libraries nationwide between 1886 and 1917. Approximately 750 of them continue to use their original buildings, while others have moved to new locations. Opened on April 26, 1904, the Rockland Public Library is one of 20 Carnegie Libraries in Maine built through this historic program.

“This unexpected, generous, and most welcome gift celebrates Carnegie Libraries and the pivotal role these libraries play in their communities; we look forward to sharing how we plan to use this gift to support the Rockland Public Library’s mission, vision, and values,” said Library Director Amy Levine.

“Our founder, Andrew Carnegie, who championed the free public library movement of the late 19th century, described libraries as ‘cradles of democracy’ that ‘strengthen the democratic idea, the equality of the citizen, and the royalty of man,’” said Dame Louise Richardson, president of Carnegie and former head of the University of Oxford. “We still believe this and are delighted to celebrate our connection to the libraries he founded.”

The Rockland Public Library will receive the gift in January 2026 and may use the funds however they wish to celebrate the 250th anniversary, further their mission, and benefit the community.

Patrons are invited to share their Rockland Public Library photos, stories, and community celebrations at carnegielibraries.org.