Logan County District Libraries Receives $10,000 Award from the Carnegie Corporation of New York to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026

​Logan County District Libraries, formerly the Bellefontaine Carnegie Free Library, is proud to announce it has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York in recognition of its long-standing service to the community and its historic connection to the Carnegie library movement. 

The Bellefontaine Carnegie Free Library has stood as a symbol of learning and civic pride since its completion in 1905. Built with an original grant of $14,000 from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the library was designed by Bellefontaine native William Kauffman and constructed by the Buckeye Churn Company of Sidney. Its cornerstone sits at the intersection of North Main Street and East Sandusky Avenue, on the very land once owned by Rebecca Brown—an early advocate for literacy and education in Logan County. 

The library’s origins trace back even further, to 1871, when Miss Lida Canby began operating a circulating library in Bellefontaine. That effort evolved into the Brown Library Association, named for Rebecca Brown, whose dream was to create a community library and “Museum of Natural Curiosities.” After her passing in 1887, Mrs. Brown’s generosity and civic spirit laid the groundwork for the establishment of Bellefontaine’s first public library.

With the support of citizens like Miss Canby and the leadership of the early Library Board, Bellefontaine secured Andrew Carnegie’s contribution in 1902, making it one of the many towns across America to benefit from his vision of free public libraries for all.

Today, more than 120 years after its founding, the Logan County District Libraries continue to uphold that legacy—providing access to information, education, and cultural enrichment for the entire community. The new $10,000 award from the Carnegie Foundation will be used to enhance library services for future generations.

“This award not only honors our past but ensures that the spirit of learning and generosity that built this library continues to thrive,” said Beverly Arlequeeuw, Executive Director of the Logan County District Libraries. “We are deeply grateful to Carnegie Corporation of New York for recognizing the enduring impact of libraries like ours.”

For more information about the Bellefontaine Carnegie Free Library and its programs, please visit www.LoganCountyLibraries.org.