Girard Public Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Girard Carnegie Library
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Girard Public Library (2013)
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 Location in Kansas
Location in the United States
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| Location | 128 W. Prairie, Girard, Kansas |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1906 |
| Built by | Ritter, A.H. |
| Architect | Hair & Smith |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| MPS | Carnegie Libraries of Kansas TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 87000952 |
| Added to NRHP | June 25, 1987 |
The Girard Public Library is a special building in Girard, Kansas. It's known as a Carnegie library because it was built with money from Andrew Carnegie. The idea for the library first started in 1899. The building you see today was finished in 1906. It's located at 128 West Prairie Avenue. This library is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. It was also the very first free library for everyone in Girard.
Contents
How the Library Started
Early Ideas for a Library
In 1897, a famous social worker named Jane Addams visited Girard. She was staying with her sister, Alice Haldeman. Jane Addams gave a talk at a local church. She was surprised to learn that Girard did not have a public library. Nearby towns like Cherokee already had one.
In January 1898, a group called the Ladies Reading Club decided to look into starting a library. Mrs. Haldeman was part of this group. A year later, in January 1899, several local clubs met. They formed the Girard Library Association. This group worked to make the library a reality.
First Library Locations
The library's first offices were in the county courthouse. In 1901, the library moved to the McMillan building. This building was above E. Beadle's Store. Mrs. Eva Mitchell became the first librarian.
At that time, the library had 370 books. The librarian earned 50 cents a day. The library was open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. It stayed open from 2 PM to 9 PM. Miss Blanche Warren took over as librarian in December 1901. She worked there until 1936, serving the longest of any librarian.
Getting Money from Andrew Carnegie
In 1905, a lawyer named Lewis H. Phillips helped the city. He worked with local groups to get money from Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie was a very rich businessman who helped build many libraries. He offered $8,000 for the library. The city council had to promise to keep the library running.
The city council quickly agreed to Carnegie's terms. At the time, Girard had about 2,500 people. It was said to be the smallest city in the world to get a Carnegie Library. Some people thought Jane Addams, who was friends with Andrew Carnegie, might have helped get the money.
Choosing the Library's Spot
The city looked at two places for the new Carnegie Library. They chose the Viets lot. Marion Coulter offered this lot for $500. People in the neighborhood promised to pay for it.
The other option was the Wasser lot. It was also $500. The library board voted 4 to 2 for the Viets lot. They chose it because it was closer to the town square.
Library Updates
The original Carnegie building was expanded in 2002. This addition helped the library serve the community even better.
Libraries Before Carnegie
The Girard Carnegie Library was not the first library in the city. Here are some earlier attempts to create libraries:
- In February 1870, the Crawford County Library Association met. This was about 5 miles west of where Girard is now.
- In December 1871, the Girard Literary Institute and Library Association held a meeting. In 1875, their librarian thanked people for donating books.
- In 1882, there were over 500 books in the Public Library. Dr. G. A. Keyes was the librarian. He kept the library in his office. People paid $1 a year to be members.
- Also in 1882, the A. O. U. W. (Ancient Order of United Workmen) Library was mentioned.
- In 1884, John Randolph led a meeting at the courthouse. They talked about starting a free library for everyone.
- In 1889, two college students started a circulating library. It was located in the Veatch Music Store.
