Carnegie Libraries

I was excited to discover that we would be reading a book about Carnegie. I love the libraries that bear his name. When I travel I make his libraries a "must see" on my travel itinerary. I was a bit disappointed to read that his philanthropy was seen as somewhat misguided. I just read the book from a designing point of view and thought. . .these things happen. Planning and
design issues. . .boundaries not evenly defined, or perhaps too much so. Money. . .how distributed, how not distributed. . .building is too big, building is too small. . .the books are in alcoves, the books are too, "out there". . .the librarian is in a centralized "open" area, "she" is too reticent. The list goes on and on and on. Can't please all the people all the time! These libraries started out as a means to educate the masses and distribute knowledge via the best means possible. I believe they did just that. And, I believe Carnegie was onto a good thing. As the author states (p219), the Carnegie program, "supported larger cultural trends." These libraries reinforced the public view of how knowledge was obtained. I believe they would have influenced me to believe I was important in the overall scheme of things. I would have felt important upon entering such a grand building knowing that I was increasing my potential as as human being. Small towns were more appreciative of this value than larger cities due to the impact they had on the role they played. Women became more involved in the planning process, as well as, the business aspect of administrative duties. This was the late 19th century and early 20th century. . .what does one expect? The Victorian attitude could not be changed. I'm digressing. . .overall, if anything, this book and subject has made me more aware of how politics rule. One can't escape the mighty influence of capitalism and government control. As well as, criticisms of others.