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History of The Carnegie Center

The Carnegie Center is a symbol of continuity. In an era where so many places look alike, this unique building demonstrates the resilience and viability of its neighborhood.

The Carnegie Library, named for nineteenth century industrialist and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, served as the Phoenix Public Library from 1908 until 1954.

After 1954, the building was used as a recreation hall, social service center, storage facility, and a way station for the homeless. In 1984 the building was restored at a cost of $1.3 million, but was closed in 2001 due to safety concerns.

Today, the Carnegie Center is being returned to its role as a multi-service center that will serve workers and residents in downtown Phoenix and the eastern Capitol Mall. It will offer:

• Reference for the State Library's genealogy, archives, legal, and general reference collections
  
  
• Meeting space for community groups
  
  
• The Bonus Years: Connecting @ the Carnegie is a program for people in transition, especially those leaving, re-entering, or retiring from the work force
  
  
• The Arizona Women's Hall of Fame, recognizing the diverse women who have helped shape the state's history
  
  
• The Arizona Center for the Book, an affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, whose goal is to carry the Center for the Book's mission of "stimulating public interest in books, reading, literacy, and libraries to the state and local level."

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