The Enduring Legacy of Carnegie Library at Syracuse University

Syracuse University's Carnegie Library stands as a testament to the institution's commitment to academic excellence and architectural heritage. From its inception fueled by Andrew Carnegie's philanthropy to its present-day role as a hub for mathematics and science, the building has evolved while retaining its historical charm.

Early Days and Humble Beginnings

Before the grand Carnegie Library, Syracuse University's first library resided in downtown Syracuse, within the Myers Block at the corner of East Genesee and Montgomery Streets. For the first two years of its existence, Syracuse University and its first library were housed in downtown’s Myers Block at the corner of East Genesee and Montgomery Streets. The library, along with reading rooms, classrooms, and faculty offices, occupied the second floor. The library’s first book was Benjamin Tucker’s Epitome of Ancient & Modern History (Philadelphia, 1822), which is now part of the University’s rare book collection. According to a Daily Orange article from May 2, 1933, Syracuse University’s library collection came into being with Benjamin Tucker’s Epitome of Ancient & Modern History (Philadelphia, 1822), as indicated by its location notation, which predates the Dewey Decimal System. John P. Griffin served as Syracuse University’s first librarian from 1871 to 1875 and oversaw the move of the library from downtown to the University Hill. The Myers Block collection was likely modest, probably not more than a few hundred books, when moved with the rest of the University to the newly completed Hall of Languages in 1873. This marked the initial phase of the library's development, a collection that would grow exponentially in the years to come.

The Von Ranke Collection and the Need for Expansion

As the university grew, so did its library collection. A significant turning point came with the donation of German historian Leopold von Ranke's collection by Dr. John M. Reid. This substantial acquisition came with the stipulation that a dedicated library be built to house it. With Dr. Von Ranke Library (now the Tolley Humanities Building) was constructed. This led to the construction of the Von Ranke Library, now known as Tolley Hall. However, this space soon proved insufficient to accommodate the burgeoning collection and the growing student body.

Carnegie's Generosity and the Birth of a Landmark

In March 1905, Andrew Carnegie offered to donate $150,000 to help construct a library on the Syracuse University campus. In March of 1905, Andrew Carnegie offered to donate $150,000 to help construct a library on the Syracuse University campus. There was a stipulation that Syracuse University raise another $150,000 as an endowment for up-keep of the library. The University gathered the rest of the required endowment with a large share being contributed by John D. Archibold. Carnegie Library was designed by Professor Frederick W. Revels and Professor Earl Hallenbeck in the Renaissance style with a granite base along with terra cotta facade. The library was completed and opened two years later in the fall of 1907. This act of philanthropy set the stage for the construction of a new, larger library. The University quickly raised the required endowment, with John D. Archbold contributing a significant share. Professors Frederick W. Revels and Earl Hallenbeck designed Carnegie Library in the Renaissance style, featuring a granite base and a terra cotta facade. Construction began in the spring of 1905, and the library opened in September 1907.

Architectural Details and Design

Built of reinforced concrete, with Ionic order columns supporting a flat pediment. Its main reading room is striking with a high vaulted ceiling, Corinthian pilasters, and a second story gallery. The architectural style is Renaissance. Building materials consisted of a granite base with a grey brick and terra cotta facade. The architects were Professors Frederick W. Revels and Earl Hallenbeck.

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A Hub of Knowledge and Culture

On September 11, 1907, the Von Ranke collection was transferred from the old library building, marking the opening of the new library with a collection of over 71,000 volumes. On September 11, 1907 the transfer of the Von Ranke collection from the old library building marking the opening of the new library with a collection of over 71,000 volumes. A formal dedication was never held as the University was unable to persuade Andrew Carnegie to attend. In 1934, a statue of Diana the Huntress, created by Anna Hyatt Huntington, was donated and placed in the vestibule of the library; it was later moved to Bird Library. Carnegie Library quickly became a central hub for academic life at Syracuse University. In 1934, a statue of Diana the Huntress, created by Anna Hyatt Huntington, was donated and placed in the vestibule of Carnegie Library. While a formal dedication with Andrew Carnegie in attendance never materialized, the library served as a repository of knowledge and a space for intellectual exploration.

Transition and Adaptation

The opening of the E.S. Bird Library in 1972 marked a new chapter for Carnegie Library. When E.S. Bird Library opened in 1972, texts covering the Social Sciences, Arts, and the Humanities were relocated to the new Library. Carnegie Library then underwent renovations to become the library for the Engineering and Life Sciences as well as the location for and library of the Mathematics Department. The main offices for the Mathematics Department and the Mathematics Education programs are housed in the Carnegie Building (campus map). Its striking feature is the central, skylighted atrium that runs up from the second floor. It contains a giant reading room with 24 large, well-lit hardwood tables complementing the ornate late-Victorian decor of the hallways, ceilings and stairways. Texts covering the Social Sciences, Arts, and the Humanities were relocated to the new library. Carnegie Library then underwent renovations to become the library for Engineering and Life Sciences, as well as the location for the Mathematics Department. In 1973, the renovations were completed and the Mathematics Department moved from Smith Hall to the newly renovated Carnegie Library. The Chemistry library was added in 1982 and the collection was renamed the Science and Technology Library.

Renovations and Modernization

In summer 2011 renovations began on the building to upgrade it for contemporary use. The main reading room was renovated to allow for silent study space, library office space was relocated to the 2nd floor, and a computer room and new security system were added. For the first time since the mid-1970s, the main entrance to the library was once again through the front stairs and doors.

Carnegie Library Today

Today, Carnegie Library offers many modern resources for mathematics students. There are two computer rooms in Carnegie Library - one for general mathematics students and another exclusively for graduate students in Mathematics. Carnegie Library offers thousands of mathematics texts and even more on the Syracuse University Library system. These texts can be taken and read among other studying students in the Carnegie Library reading room - an atrium lit by a large, central skylight casting a warm light on the late-Victorian decor. The faculty offices can be found on the third floor among a new dark hardwood decor while the graduate student offices can be found on the fourth floor in a large cathedral ceiling style open layout. The remaining mathematics graduate student offices are found on the first floor of Archibold. Today, Carnegie Library stands as a vital resource for mathematics students. It houses two computer rooms, one for general mathematics students and another exclusively for graduate students. Thousands of mathematics texts are available within the library and throughout the Syracuse University Library system. The Carnegie Library reading room, with its skylit atrium and late-Victorian decor, provides a unique and inspiring study environment.

Architectural Beauty and Functionality

Its striking feature is the central, skylighted atrium that runs up from the second floor. It contains a giant reading room with 24 large, well-lit hardwood tables complementing the ornate late-Victorian decor of the hallways, ceilings and stairways.

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Centennial Celebration and Enduring Significance

At the building's centennial celebration in 2007, it was noted that the building was one of only two original Carnegie libraries on a college campus still being used as a library. At the building's centennial celebration in 2007, it was noted that the building was one of only two original Carnegie libraries on a college campus still being used as a library. The Carnegie Library's centennial celebration in 2007 highlighted its unique status as one of the few original Carnegie libraries on a college campus still serving its original purpose. This underscores the building's enduring significance and its ability to adapt to the changing needs of the university community.

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