Celebrate 130 Years of the Carnegie Library in Oakland

Construction for the Carnegie Public Library in Oakland began about this time 130 years ago. Andrew Carnegie officially dedicated the space two years later on Nov. 5, 1895. The behemoth building between Schenley Plaza and Forbes Avenue remains the city's most striking monument to Beaux Arts  — an academic architectural style taught at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. The space and surrounding grounds have transformed over the century, but its original charm and spirit of service continue today.