Carnegie Owners Club
Welcome to the Carnegie Owners Club - a community of historic Carnegie library owners and managers who have transformed these architectural treasures into vibrant event venues and community spaces.
Our Mission
Founded by the Forest Carnegie Library Event Centre in Ontario, Canada, the Carnegie Owners Club connects Carnegie library property owners across North America to:
- Share best practices for preserving and operating historic Carnegie buildings
- Exchange marketing strategies for event venues and community spaces
- Collaborate on preservation efforts and adaptive reuse ideas
- Network and support fellow Carnegie library stewards
- Celebrate Andrew Carnegie's legacy in our communities
Why Join the Carnegie Owners Club?
Exclusive Benefits for Members
- Quarterly Newsletter - Best practices, success stories, and industry trends
- Member Directory - Connect with other Carnegie venue owners across North America
- Marketing Resources - Templates, ideas, and collaborative opportunities
- Vendor Network - Share trusted contractors who understand historic buildings
- Annual Virtual Meetup - Network, learn, and share experiences
- Cross-Promotion - Feature your venue in our member spotlight series
Who Should Join?
The Carnegie Owners Club welcomes:
- Owners of repurposed Carnegie libraries (event venues, restaurants, offices, community centers)
- Managers of active Carnegie libraries exploring adaptive reuse
- Preservation organizations working with Carnegie buildings
- Anyone passionate about preserving Carnegie's architectural legacy
The Carnegie Legacy
Between 1883 and 1929, Andrew Carnegie funded 2,509 libraries worldwide, including:
- 1,679 in the United States
- 828 in the United Kingdom and Ireland
- 156 in Canada (111 in Ontario alone)
Today, many of these buildings face uncertain futures. Some continue as libraries, while others have been thoughtfully repurposed. The Carnegie Owners Club exists to ensure these architectural treasures thrive for another century.
Success Stories
Carnegie libraries have been successfully transformed into:
- Event venues - Weddings, corporate events, celebrations (like us!)
- Restaurants and cafes - Community gathering spaces
- Museums and cultural centers - Preserving local history
- Mixed-use spaces - Combining multiple community functions
- Private residences - Unique historic homes
Join the Club
Membership in the Carnegie Owners Club is free. We're a community-driven initiative focused on collaboration, not profit.
To join, simply subscribe to our newsletter below. You'll receive:
- Welcome email with member directory access
- Quarterly newsletters with best practices and success stories
- Invitations to virtual meetups and networking events
- Opportunities to be featured in member spotlights
Subscribe to the Carnegie Owners Club Newsletter
Join fellow Carnegie library owners in preserving and celebrating these historic treasures.
Free membership • Quarterly newsletters • Exclusive networking
Get Involved
Beyond membership, we welcome:
Share Your Story
Have you successfully repurposed a Carnegie library? We'd love to feature your story in our newsletter. Contact us at Lisa@FCLEC.com to be featured in an upcoming member spotlight.
Contribute Ideas
Have marketing strategies, preservation tips, or vendor recommendations to share? We're building a collaborative knowledge base for all members.
Organize Local Meetups
If you're in an area with multiple Carnegie buildings, consider organizing a regional Carnegie owners meetup. We'll help promote it!
About the Founder
The Carnegie Owners Club was founded by the Forest Carnegie Library Event Centre in Forest, Ontario, Canada. Built in 1912, our Carnegie library served the community for decades before being thoughtfully transformed into a premier event venue.
We created this club because we believe in the power of community - just as Andrew Carnegie did. By connecting Carnegie building owners across North America, we can ensure these architectural treasures continue to serve communities for generations to come.
Contact Us
Have questions about the Carnegie Owners Club?
Lisa Reaume
Carnegie Owners Club Coordinator
Forest Carnegie Library Event Centre
Email: Lisa@FCLEC.com
"The man who dies rich dies disgraced." - Andrew Carnegie
Let's honor Carnegie's legacy by preserving his buildings and keeping his vision of community alive.