Analysis from 1905 to 1915

Once the Carnegie grant was accepted and St. Patrick’s Hall was sold, the new Main Library at Lee Circle was built in about 2 years.  During this time the temporary library was housed in a private home until the Main Library was opened In 1908 along with 3 branch libraries.  Within 65 years, Abijah Fisk’s wish of a library went from his home to a large library plus three branches throughout the New Orleans area.  That is a tremendous amount of growth in such a short amount of time.  The generosity of several benefactors definitely helped, especially Mr. Carnegie and his grant but without the initial donations of the Fisk brothers, would the library system in New Orleans have the long history that exists? 

With the continuing grants from Mr. Carnegie, three more branches were opened in New Orleans by 1915.  Six branches and the main library provided lending opportunities to most citizens in New Orleans within 75 years of the initial start of a free library.   

Main Library at Lee Circle, New Orleans circa 1920.