Free and Public

Andrew Carnegie and the Libraries of Wales

Ralph A Griffiths author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:University of Wales Press

Published:15th Jun '21

Should be back in stock very soon

Free and Public cover

This book explores the thirty-five libraries built by Carnegie in Wales, highlighting their significance and his commitment to public access to libraries.

The book Free and Public offers an in-depth examination of the thirty-five libraries established by Andrew Carnegie in Wales, showcasing his global dedication to the public library movement during the early twentieth century. This significant study highlights the social, cultural, and architectural importance of these libraries, which have previously gone unrecorded. Many of these Carnegie buildings are now in precarious condition, making this exploration timely and crucial.

Delving into the transformative phase of the library system, Free and Public provides a historical overview of public libraries in Wales and Great Britain, beginning with the first Public Libraries Act of 1850. The narrative also traces Carnegie's remarkable career as 'the richest man in the world' and his unwavering commitment to ensuring that libraries were accessible to all, regardless of age or gender. The book contextualizes Carnegie’s contributions against the backdrop of the haphazard development of public libraries in the nineteenth century, revealing the influential circles he navigated in Britain.

The extensive discussion within Free and Public focuses on the locations, sites, patrons, and architectural features of the libraries. The concluding sections reflect on Carnegie’s enduring legacy in Wales, particularly the role of his UK Trust in advancing the county library movement post-1911. This work is essential for understanding the social, political, cultural, and architectural history of Edwardian Wales through the lens of Carnegie's philanthropic vision.

ISBN: 9781786837745

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

176 pages