Libraries, the example of Iowa

Carnegie began funding libraries in Iowa before the arrival of Bertram in the USA. In 1892, Fairfield, Iowa, received a grant from Andrew Carnegie for $30,000 to build a public library. Apparently, this was at the request of an Iowa senator: hitherto Carnegie had only funded libraries at places to which he was personally connected. At the turn of the century his giving increased dramatically. By 1903 44 Carnegie libraries had been built for Iowa communities (Carnegie also funded academic libraries in the state, including a second library at Fairfield).

The Carnegie Libraries in Iowa Project notes that Bertram was empowered by Andrew Carnegie to carry on negotiations, answer questions, and oversee contractual arrangements. The Carnegie Libraries in Iowa Project further asserts that Bertram, and not Carnegie, was the one who established the eligibility requirements for a community to receive funding. While he did not exhibit much of a fluid or articulate communication style -- leaving his letters, notes, responses, etc. more confused and misinformed than enlightened by his instructions, Bertram considered the power Carnegie entrusted to him as a kind of sacred trust demanding his protection. Therefore, Bertram established the primary requirements that the community population should be sufficiently large to support the library. He also determined, as time went on, that beautiful architectural enhancements that adorned the library buildings – domes, marble staircases, statues -- had to be eliminated in order to cut down on costs and to improve the libraries functionality and working space for library services. He began a campaign of informing inquiring groups with pamphlets on the need for practicality of design so that the grant amount would cover the construction costs to make it ready for immediate occupancy and fulfillment of its purpose. Bertram's rigorous guardianship of the Carnegie trust had the immediate effect he desired; however, it also caused substantial difficulties for some Iowa communities seeking to build libraries with Carnegie funding. Alice S. Tyler, secretary of the Iowa Library Commission from its inception in 1900 until 1913, objected to Bertram's stipulations, seeking to have them removed and encouraging communities to pursue local financial support and reject the Carnegie funds.^[5] Of about 100 Iowa communities which applied for Carnegie funds, 5 chose not to accept.^[6]