Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning

  • Year Established:1992
  • Last Updated: 12/09/2009

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Project Overview Description: In 1990, Lexington's mayor created a committee to discover a reuse for the vacant Carnegie library building; from that group, the idea for a community learning and arts center was born. The Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning helps people find joy in writing, reading, and learning new things. In addition to offering a gallery and performing arts events, the center's emphasis on writing and promoting books by Kentucky authors has made it the literary hub of Kentucky. The building is also home to learning and arts organizations, an author, and writing/book discussion groups. It is also the site for other non-Carnegie events, including the Kentucky Women Writers Conference.

  • Address: 251 W. Second Street, Lexington, KY 40507-1135
  • Website: www.CarnegieLiteracy.org (visit site)
  • Telephone: 8592544175
  • Project Contact: Janet Isenhour
  • Brief Project Description (100 words): In 1990, Lexington's mayor created a committee to discover a reuse for the vacant Carnegie library building; from that group, the idea for a community learning and arts center was born. The Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning helps people find joy in writing, reading, and learning new things. In addition to offering a gallery and performing arts events, the center's emphasis on writing and promoting books by Kentucky authors has made it the literary hub of Kentucky. The building is also home to learning and arts organizations, an author, and writing/book discussion groups. It is also the site for other non-Carnegie events, including the Kentucky Women Writers Conference.

Program / Development Partners

  • Public/Civil Sector: Development
  • Name: Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
  • For-profit Private Sector:
  • Name:
  • Non-profit Sector: Program
  • Name: Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning (a.k.a. Carnegie Literacy Center, Inc.)
  • Creative Industries Served: Visual arts

Included Space Types / Uses

  • Live/Work Spaces: n/a
  • Total Units(#): n/a
  • Units for Broader Community(#):n/a
  • Total Affordable Units(#): n/a
  • Units for Resident Organization(#): n/a
  • Workspace Studios: Rental
  • Total Units(#): 21
  • Total Affordable Units(#): 21
  • Units for Resident Organization(#): 16
  • Work Space/Studios: Area (SF):n/a
  • Live-Only Spaces: n/a
  • Total Units(#): n/a
  • Units for Broader Community(#):n/a
  • Total Affordable Units(#): n/a
  • Units for Resident Organization(#): n/a
  • Live Only: Area (SF): n/a
  • Gallery: Available to Public
  • Performance/Rehearsal Space: Available to Public
  • Dance Studio Area (SF): n/a
  • Recording Studio: n/a
  • Office Space: For Resident Organizations Only
  • Multi-Purpose Space (e.g. for Community Use): Available to Public
  • Additional Artist Amenities: Natural light
  • Describe Sustainable Strategies Employed (250 words): The Carnegie Center is committed to employing sustainable strategies. In summer 2009, we requested an energy audit from our provider, and we are implementing those suggestions, including the following: using energy efficient light bulbs; replacing emergency lighting fixtures with new, more efficient ones; installing motion sensors in restrooms to control lighting; installing programmable thermostats; depending on natural light available through eight-foot windows and a large skylight; and installing insulated window shades in most rooms. We have been active recyclers of paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum for several years; containers are available on every floor of the building. The practice of recycling is promoted during programs such as our “Earth Day” youth and family celebration. Recycled materials are used whenever possible; at a summer architecture camp for youth, models of a city block were constructed out of recycled trash. The center is within walking distance of the city’s major bus lines, and we provide lockable bike racks on site for employees and visitors. We have been the site for a local community bike rental program as well.
  • Description of Preservation Work (50 words): Cleaning and preserving the limestone facade; repairing the original windows; repairing and restoring the hardwood floors and the interior marble columns, floors, and wainscoting; re-opening the first floor ceiling's access to the second story's skylight; waterproofing the basement; extensive painting and plaster wall repair throughout; re-aligning the building's front stone steps.
  • Description of Incubation Facilities, Resources, Programming (50 words): The mixed-use building has a Writers Reference Room, an art gallery, two computer labs, classrooms, offices, a reading room with free books, a multi-purpose room used for performances and author readings, a kitchenette, community information stations, an elevator, four handicap-accessible restrooms, and cozy sitting areas that invite conversation.

Links / Images / Attachments

  • Community Programming: Professional Development & Training Services
    Technique or studio training/ workshops
    Community Service/Engagement Programs
    Other
    Shared: Facilities and Equipment
    Shared: Administrative Infrastructure
    Other Shared Resources
  • Professional Development & Training Services: Saturday writing/publishing seminars such as “Publishing in Today's Economic Climate,” Adobe CS-4 computer classes, writers retreats, writer mentoring, a Writers Reference Room, and a Kentucky Literature Academy for teachers.
  • Population served+ All ages
  • Total Served Per Year:
  • Technique or Studio Training/Workshops: Writing workshops in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting, memoir, and on topics such as “Movies and Writing,” “How to Write a Newspaper Column,” etc; master writing classes; the Young Women Writers Project; and youth and family camps and workshops.
  • Population served+: All ages
  • Total Served Per Year:
  • Other Programs: Youth and family learning programs, academic tutoring, summer day camps for youth, workshops in computers and world languages, job search-related workshops, financial literacy, book groups for adults and youth.
  • Population served+: All ages
  • Shared Community Resources - Facilities and Equipment: 2 computer labs, a reading room, free wi-fi, Writers Reference Room, art gallery, performance space, PA system, a SmartBoard, LCD projection equipment, a document camera.
  • Shared Community Resources - Administrative Infrastructure: Staff members provide information about Kentucky authors, publishers, writing, literacy, and opportunities for writers and learners to expand their knowledge. Staff partner with other organizations for programs with similar missions.
  • Shared Community Resources - Other: The Writers Reference Room is a free-access room open to the public; it includes writing manuals, literary journals, Writers Market books, and more. The building serves as a venue for non-Carnegie literary and learning events including an upcoming Silas House book release party and the James Baker Hall memorial service. It is a site of Mayfest, Kentucky Women Writers Conference, Lexington’s Downtown Gallery Hop, the Roots & Heritage Festival, and more.