It all begins with an idea. In 1974, the North Tonawanda Public Library was moved to it’s current location on Meadow Road. One year later, the Carnegie Library became home to the Tonawandas Council on the Arts, Inc. providing artistic programming for the North Tonawanda community and beyond. The nonprofit was transformed into the Carnegie Art Center (CAC) upon it’s reopening after restoration projects and ADA building updates in 2012.

Construction began in 1903 for the Carnegie Library, a public library that was gifted to the City of North Tonawanda by Andrew Carnegie. The building opened in December 5, 1904 and served as a public library for over 70 years. Many of the original Neoclassical interior and exterior architectural features from 1904 remain. The building is listed individually on the State and National Register of Historic Sites and is a Local Landmark building within the Sweeney Estate National Register and Local Historic District. The building is one of three Carnegie Libraries in Western New York. Our building was designed by Edgar Eugene Joralemon who also designed the Niagara Falls Carnegie Library.

Located in Niagara County, the CAC has membership throughout Western New York. The CAC provides high quality and accessible artistic programming throughout the year including art exhibitions, classes for children and adults, concerts and other fine art activities. In the summer months, the grounds serve as a destination for live music, fitness classes, and community partnerships. Low-cost private event rentals are available year round.

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