This book describes Andrew Carnegie's philanthropic work in favour of library development. Between 1897 and 1913, Carnegie promised over 170,000 to pay for the building of some 80 libraries in Ireland. Sixty-two of the libraries built have survived to the present day. The second part of the book is a catalogue, arranged alphabetically by town, which details the origin and design of each library and gives an account, particularly, of the background to its establishment, the uses to which the building was put, and it's present condition. The catalogue is illustrated with architectural plans and photographs. This book will be of interest especially to librarians, local historians and architectural historians.

And with the help of original documents, including letters of petition by schoolteachers, bankers, and civic leaders from across the United States, he provides valuable insights into life in turn-of-the-century American towns and the values and aspirations of their citizens.