The Forgotten Pages: A Plea for the Carnegie Library of Wagoner

In the heart of Wagoner, Oklahoma, stands a monument to knowledge and community—a building that once echoed with the footsteps of eager readers and the whispers of turning pages. The Carnegie Library, a gift from the philanthropic steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, was more than just a repository of books; it was a sanctuary for the curious, a playground for the imaginative, and a best friend to every child who, with a book in hand, discovered worlds beyond their own.

Andrew Carnegie, born in Scotland in 1835, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the wealthiest men in America. His belief in the power of education and self-improvement led him to fund the construction of over 2,500 libraries across the globe¹. The Wagoner Carnegie Library, completed in 1913, was one of these cherished institutions².

For decades, the library served as a beacon of learning, its doors open to all who sought the joy of reading. Generations of children grew up within its walls, each book a stepping stone on their journey of lifelong learning. The library was not just a building; it was a vibrant, living part of the community.

But today, the once-proud edifice stands neglected, a shadow of its former self. Abandoned by the City of Wagoner, the building is now a silent witness to the passage of time, its books gathering dust on untouched shelves, its card catalogs a testament to a bygone era. The personal items left on the reception desk, the old pictures adorning the walls, all speak of a sudden departure, a story interrupted.

The Carnegie Library of Wagoner is more than just a structure of brick and mortar—it is a vessel of our collective memory, a symbol of our cultural heritage. It is a tragedy to see such a historical treasure left to decay, its potential for enlightenment and community gathering squandered.

This is a call to action for the citizens of Wagoner, Oklahoma. It is time to reclaim this cornerstone of our past. Demand that your city leaders preserve the Carnegie Library and its contents. Let us restore it to its former glory, Together, we can turn the page to a new chapter in the library’s story—one of revival and hope.

For the sake of our history and for the future generations of Wagoner, let us unite to save this precious landmark. The Carnegie Library awaits its renaissance, ready once more to be filled with the laughter of children and the gathering of families. Let it not be said that we stood by while history crumbled before our eyes. Act now, for the library that once was our best friend deserves no less.