T.B. Scott Free Library to receive $10,000 Carnegie Gift

T.B. Scott Free Library will receive a $10,000 gift from Carnegie Corporation of New York as part of a nationwide initiative celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary.
The grant is part of Carnegie Libraries 250, a program honoring the approximately 1,280 Carnegie-funded libraries still operating across the United States. T.B. Scott is one of 65 Carnegie libraries in Wisconsin.
“We are surprised and delighted to receive this generous gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York,” said T.B. Scott Free Library Director Laurie Ollhoff. “At a time when libraries face possible funding cutbacks, monetary donations, gifts, and grants like this have a tremendous impact on our ability to serve the Merrill area and surrounding community.”
Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish immigrant, funded construction of 1,681 free public libraries nationwide between 1886 and 1917. T.B. Scott Free Library opened in 1891. About 750 of the original Carnegie library buildings remain in use today, while others have relocated.
“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 Corporation and former Head of the University of Oxford. “We still believe this and are delighted to celebrate our connection to the libraries he founded.”
The library will receive the funds in January 2026 and may use them as it determines best to celebrate the anniversary and serve the community. Library officials are exploring options for implementing the gift.
Patrons can share T.B. Scott Free Library photos and stories at carnegielibraries.org.