about our library

A local public library is one of our democracy’s most versatile, accessible places. Every member of the community is welcome. Because they have a special bond with their own communities and the people who live there, libraries lead users into many worlds of knowledge and learning. The democratic vision of free public access to education and information is still at the heart of the nation’s public libraries.

Through his generosity, Andrew Carnegie helped fund more than 3,000 public libraries nationwide. In going from poverty to riches, he became one of the great American success stories. Born in Scotland, he came to America an immigrant boy, earning a mere $1.20 per week.  Eventually, he would become a prominent industrialist and one of America’s greatest philanthropists. Within 50 years, he would donate a third of a billion dollars to various philanthropic causes through the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Carnegie believed that it was his moral obligation to repay the country that had given him the opportunity to achieve prominence and amass a staggering fortune. Why did he choose libraries as the instrument of his generosity? He believed that libraries would contribute to the success of immigrants seeking a better life. Carnegie required the recipients of his donations, to follow certain stipulations. To be eligible, a community had to demonstrate the need for a public library. Additionally, he required municipalities to donate a building site, and, most importantly, he mandated that they provide continuous fiscal support.

Trinidad’s Carnegie Public Library is one of 1,689 built in the United States between 1883 and 1929. Supported through tax funds, the library serves both the citizens of Las Animas County and the City of Trinidad. While we may strive to do that with materials and technology that Mr. Carnegie could not have imagined—this website, for example!--the mission of our public library has remained the same for over 100 years: to inform, educate, and culturally enrich the entire community.

We provide a wide range of library material, including print, audio, and video; informational services including excellent online databases; events for children; cultural programs celebrating the diversity of our community; a substantial Spanish collection; a room devoted to local history with unique books and documents; and a very proactive acquisition of new fiction, non-fiction and biographies.

Upon the resignation of the former director in September of 2006, the Board of Trustees appointed an Interim Director, Jane Besel. She and the entire staff of the Trinidad Carnegie Public Library strive to deliver outstanding service in a pleasant environment. Mrs. Besel believes that a library should be the “heart of the community” and that every member of the community should feel welcome within its doors. If you haven’t visited recently, please drop in and note the changes.