ORLEANS – The Orleans Public Library will be hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Carnegie America 250 Program Area on Wednesday, April 22nd, at 3:30 p.m.
The library is excited to share this newly created outdoor area for children’s programming with the community. This area was made possible through a $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York earlier this year. Using this funding, the library was able to add a concrete pad, gravel, picnic tables, benches, and raised garden beds. The design and furnishings were carefully chosen to be low-maintenance and sustainable, while also being fun, colorful, and child-friendly. The space will be used for programming during the library’s six-week Summer Reading Program, weekly Story Time sessions during the school year, and other children’s events.
The Orleans Public Library was one of 164 Carnegie libraries built in Indiana in the early 1900s. It was originally built using a $10,000 grant from the famous immigrant industrialist Andrew Carnegie. Mr. Carnegie believed strongly that libraries should be free for everyone. In early 2026, the Carnegie Corporation of New York gave $10,000 gifts to Carnegie libraries across America in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The community is invited to join the Orleans Public Library board and staff for this special celebration, followed by the Dogwood Student Art Show and Poetry Display reception at 4:00 PM in the library’s basement
