Putting It All Together Carnegie libraries illustrate many
important aspects of turn-of-the-century America. The money to
build them came from a man whose beliefs mixed aggressive
capitalism with a commitment to public philanthropy. Carnegie’s
gifts were built on efforts already begun by others. These
library supporters had a variety of motives, including a belief
in learning and an attempt to shape society along the lines they
preferred. The following activities should help students clarify
their thinking about these subjects. Activity 1: Additional
Research on Carnegie Divide students into groups of four or
five. One student should read Carnegie’s essays on the
responsibility of rich men, then research his homes and other
possessions. Another student should learn about the conditions
in his factories, while the rest of the group learns about
Carnegie’s other charities. The group should reassemble and
decide collectively whether he lived up to his words. Have each
group give their report to the entire class