The Downers Grove Public Library (DGPL) 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. The Downers Grove Public Library originally opened in 1891 by the Ladies Library Association in a small reading room above the Farmers and Merchants Bank. In 1915, the library received financial support by the Carnegie Foundation to create a building on the land where the library currently sits. Since then, the library has been rebuilt to accommodate the growing needs of the community, however, Carnegie’s plan for a free public library, open to all, is still the foundation of DGPL. The library is one of 109 Carnegie Libraries in Illinois built through this historic program.
“This incredible gift surprised us in the best possible way. It mirrors the history of our wonderful library and extends its impact by supporting current needs and services. We were honored to be named a Historic Site by the Downers Grove Historical Society this October while celebrating the 110th anniversary of the Carnegie building’s opening. This gift brings the significance of our Carnegie history full circle,” said Julie Milavec, Library Director.
“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.”
DGPL will receive the unrestricted gift in January 2026. Leadership is currently determining how to use the funding to further the library’s mission and benefit the community.
Patrons are invited to share their DGPL photos, stories, and community celebrations at carnegielibraries.org.