Elk City, OK – Two longtime cornerstones of western Oklahoma communities are getting a boost as part of a nationwide celebration of America’s library legacy.

The Elk City Carnegie Library and the Hobart Carnegie Library have each received a $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The funding is part of a special initiative marking the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States and honors historic Carnegie libraries that continue to serve their communities today.

The grants are intended to support local library services and programming while recognizing the lasting impact of Andrew Carnegie, whose philanthropy funded the construction of nearly 1,700 public libraries across the country between 1886 and 1917.

Both Elk City and Hobart are among nine Oklahoma communities selected for the honor. The full list includes libraries in Collinsville, El Reno, Frederick, Perry, Sapulpa, Tahlequah, and Wagoner.

Carnegie libraries were built with the idea that access to books and education could strengthen individuals and communities alike. More than a century later, many of these buildings still serve as active hubs for learning, technology access, and community programs.

State officials say the recognition highlights not only the historic significance of these libraries, but also their continued relevance in towns like Elk City and Hobart, where they remain central gathering places and educational resources.

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