Carnegie Building to Undergo Window Restoration Through Carnegie Grant Initiative

Earlier this year, Petoskey District Library (PDL) announced it was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York as part of Carnegie Libraries 250, a national initiative celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The library and the City of Petoskey are now moving forward with plans to put that funding to work in support of its historic Carnegie Building and the community it serves.

The grant program honors the approximately 1,280 Carnegie libraries still operating across the United States—continuing the legacy of Andrew Carnegie, who funded the construction of 1,681 libraries between 1886 and 1917. Additionally, the City received a grant for an ASHRAE environmental study of the building, which included funding for the windows, and is also using general funds to ensure the project can be completed this year.

At the same time, PDL is undertaking an important preservation project. From May 25 through July 5, restoration work will be completed on the building’s historic windows. During this period, the Carnegie Building will remain open and fully accessible to the public, but the windows will be temporarily removed and boarded up, blocking most natural light. To ensure the space remains functional for programs and events, additional movable lighting will be added alongside the existing lighting.

“This project is about both preservation and progress,” said Valerie Meyerson, Library Director. “We are proud to invest in the long-term care of our Carnegie Building while also using this grant to strengthen how the space serves our community.”

The library continues to use the Carnegie Building as a central gathering place for library programming, meetings, and community events. Funding from the Carnegie grant will support enhancements that expand access and improve the experience for those who use the space. 

Expected timeline for project:

May 18- May 22: Carnegie Building closed to all meetings and events. Library programs will either be moved or rescheduled.

May 23-July 5: Carnegie Building open, with all windows boarded up.

July 6 – 17*: Carnegie Building closed to all meetings and events. Library programs will either be moved or rescheduled. *Will be open July 11 & 12

Community members and groups with reservations during the construction period are encouraged to reach out with any questions or to discuss rescheduling options if needed.

 “This moment really highlights the past, present, and future of Carnegie libraries,” said Meyerson. “We’re honored to receive this recognition while also taking important steps to preserve our historic building for generations to come.”

For more information about other library events, please call 231-758-3100 or visit us online at petoskeylibrary.org. The library’s hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.