About Us

The Newnan Carnegie Library was Newnan’s first public library opening in 1904. It served as a library until 1987 when it became an overflow courtroom for the County Courthouse. When Coweta county erected a new Judicial Center in 2007 and moved out, the Carnegie building became vacant again. Within weeks, a grassroots contingent and hundreds of citizens under the banner, Friends of the Carnegie mobilized to bring the Carnegie back. Mentored by Dr. Shirley Spears, Library Director of the BB Comer Library in Sylacauga, Alabama, and the First National Library Service Award Winner, the Friends circulated a ‘Needs Survey’ to all demographic groups to ascertain what the building should be. The local press jumped on board and the Mayor lent his support. Within a year, the Newnan City Council became as enthused as the citizens themselves … and the library conversion was underway! The Carnegie was funded by the General Fund and partly by the 2007 Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). The Carnegie’s total renovation cost to the City of Newnan was over $1.5 million. Headley Construction Corporation served as the general contractor on the project. Architectural services were provided by Carter Watkins Associates who succeeded in creating an interior design that was period correct for the early 1900’s. Friends of the Carnegie reorganized as The Newnan Carnegie Library Foundation and was granted status as a 501(c)-3 Charitable Corporation in late 2007. 

When the Carnegie Library re-opened in 2009, it welcomed the people of Newnan to a center of learning at the very heart of the community. With the legacy of generosity and vision of Andrew Carnegie, the library is sustained and staffed by the City of Newnan. With the support from NCLF members, the Carnegie is able to provide dynamic, educational, and enriching programming which is the cornerstone of our mission. 

To accomplish our mission we need your help! 

Join us in the NCLF and become a partner in creating this exciting future for your hometown. Private donations and corporate sponsorships are vital to the quality programming the NCLF supports. All contributions are tax-deductible and go directly to support the Newnan Carnegie Library. 

With your help we:  

• Host innovative programs for children
• Fund nationally known authors for lectures and book signings
• Share lessons of history through visiting scholars
• Increase literacy and the joy of learning for all ages
• Provide essential materials and equipment to help the Carnegie Library thrive