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Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library facts for kids
| Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library |
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| Type | Public |
| Established | 1870 |
| Location | 1515 SW 10th Ave. Topeka, Kansas |
| Coordinates | 39°03′03″N 95°41′47″W / 39.05083°N 95.69639°W |
| Branches | 1 |
| Collection | |
| Size | 436,661 (2017) |
| Access and use | |
| Circulation | 1,930,108 (2017) |
| Other information | |
| Budget | $15,650,234 |
| Director | Gina Millsap (CEO) |
| Staff | 208 |
| Website | tscpl.org |
| Phone number | (785) 580-4400 |
The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library is a public library located in Topeka, Kansas, United States. It serves almost all of Shawnee County, Kansas. This library is a public service run by a special board of ten people called trustees.
The library offers many cool services! You can get books delivered to your home, use a bookmobile (a library on wheels!), get help with your homework, use public computers, or join fun programs. It even has an art gallery called the Alice C. Sabatini Gallery and a cafe called the Millennium Cafe.
Contents
Discovering the Library's Past
The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library started way back in 1870! A group called the Ladies' Library Association decided to create it. The library first opened its doors in March 1871 inside a store called Keith & Meyers Dry Goods.
Early Buildings and Growth
In 1883, the library got its very own building. A man named Edward Wilder, who was important at the library and a railway company, helped get money from two big railroad companies to build it near the State House.
In 1953, the library opened a new building at 10th and Washburn. In 1970, the library expanded at its current spot to celebrate its 100th birthday!
Modern Expansion and Design
In 1996, people voted to approve a big $23 million project to make the library even larger. A famous architect named Michael Graves helped design the new look. Construction began in 1998, and the expanded library opened on January 12, 2002.
The library has had several leaders over the years. Some past directors include Horace Moses, James Marvin, and David L. Leamon. The current chief executive officer is Gina Millsap. You can find parts of the library named after past leaders, like the James Marvin auditorium and the David Leamon Circulation Lobby.
Who Guides the Library?
The library is guided by a group of ten people called the Board of Trustees. These people help make important decisions for the library. Three members are chosen by the county, and seven are chosen by the city.
Current Board Members
Here are the people who are currently on the Board of Trustees:
- Kerry Onstott Storey, Chair (city appointee)
- Liz Post, Vice-Chair (city appointee)
- Jim Edwards, Treasurer (city appointee)
- Beth Dobler, Secretary (city appointee)
- Shawn Leisinger (county appointee)
- Jennifer Miller (city appointee)
- David Monical (city appointee)
- Kristen Brunkow O’Shea (county appointee)
- Kacy Simonsen (county appointee)
- Dr. Julie Swift (city appointee)