Carnegie Arts Center of Leavenworth, Kansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Leavenworth Public Library
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Kansas
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Leavenworth, Kansas |
|---|---|
| Built | 1900 |
| Architect | Marshall R. Sanguinet |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 86002010 |
| Added to NRHP | July 30, 1986 |
The Carnegie Arts Center building in Leavenworth, Kansas, is a very old and special place. It started as the Leavenworth Public Library. This two-story building was built in 1900. It was the very first library in Kansas to be funded by Andrew Carnegie.
Andrew Carnegie was a famous businessman who gave a lot of money to build libraries. These libraries are called Carnegie Libraries. This building is important enough to be listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. This means it's a historic landmark that should be protected.
A Gift from Andrew Carnegie
The Leavenworth Public Library building was built thanks to a generous gift. Andrew Carnegie was a very rich man who believed in the power of education. He donated money to build libraries all over the world. He wanted everyone to have a chance to learn and read.
This building was the first "Carnegie Library" built in the state of Kansas. It was designed by an architect named Marshall R. Sanguinet. He also designed the Dallas Public Library around the same time. The building is made of brick and limestone. It has a beautiful style called Classical Revival.
From Library to Arts Center
For many years, this building served as the main library for Leavenworth. From 1902 until 1987, it was a busy place where people could borrow books. It was a center for learning and reading in the community.
After 1987, the building got a new purpose. It became home to the Carnegie Arts Center. This was a special group that taught many different kinds of art. For 25 years, young people and adults could learn about visual arts, painting, and art history. They could also take classes in music, dance, pottery, and drama. It was a place where creativity could shine.
The Building Today
In 2012, the Carnegie Arts Center organization stopped its work. The building then went back to being owned by the city of Leavenworth, Kansas. It remains an important part of the city's history. This historic building reminds us of its past as a library and an arts center. It shows how one building can serve a community in many ways over time.
