Once the richest man in the world, Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) donated a substantial portion of his fortune to the construction of more than 2,500 libraries around the world. 65 of those libraries—including 59 public libraries and 7 academic/university libraries—were built in Kansas. In her presentation, Christine Steinkuehler will explore how these buildings democratized access to libraries and created buildings that continue to serve as landmarks and points of pride in the Kansas communities they call home.

Christine Steinkuehler holds a bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate in history from Washburn University and a master’s degree in special education with a concentration in gifted education from Emporia State University.  She currently serves as a gifted education facilitator and scholarship coordinator at Topeka West High School. She has served on the Shawnee County Historical Society Board of Trustees and the City of Topeka Landmarks Commission. Steinkuehler is also a writer and reenactor.