SPOKANE, Wash. —This year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, and KXLY is sharing stories of how the Inland Northwest helped shape America’s history.
One of the ideals America is known for is equal access to education and information. Much of that foundation can be traced to Andrew Carnegie, nicknamed the founder of modern philanthropy. His investment in public libraries helped shape communities across the country, including right here in Spokane.
In the early 1900s, the concept of free public libraries was revolutionary. Most people lacked the financial means to purchase books, which were costly and often inaccessible to working-class families…