ESCANABA — During Andrew Carnegie’s lifetime, the businessman and philanthropist donated money for the construction of more than 2,470 libraries around the world between 1883 and 1929.

In Michigan, 61 of these libraries were built throughout both peninsulas in the early 1900s. Many still house books and welcome readers, while others have found other purposes in their communities. A handful have been lost to time. Step inside these historic structures (theoretically) and learn about the impact they made on the towns in which they were built.

On Tuesday, September 3 at 5 p.m., join historian and professional public speaker Dianna Stampfler as she discusses “Carnegie Libraries in Michigan,” including our very own building located on South 7th Street. Since 1997, Stampfler has been presenting lively and upbeat programs about the area’s historic and unique destinations in her home state of Michigan. She is a passionate professional speaker, with a degree in communications from Western Michigan University and nearly 40 years’ experience in radio broadcasting and public speaking.

She is the author of Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses (2019) and Death & Lighthouses on the Great Lakes (2022).

This event is free and open to the public thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Escanaba Public Library. The library is located at 400 Ludington Street in downtown Escanaba. For more information, call 906-789-7323, visit our website at escanabalibrary.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.