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LEAVENWORTH
EARLY LIBRARY HISTORYOne of the earliest library movements in the state occurred in Leavenworth when the "Humboldt" Lyceum and Library Association was organized. The Leavenworth Literary Association secured a charter from the Kansas Territorial Legislature, February 7, 1859. A Mercantile Library Association was established December 12, 1861, and funds from the previous organization were turned over to the new association, which operated a subscription library.
Interior View
In 1868 the library building burned to the ground and another library was started. Between 1875 and 1895, little was done to keep a library open but the idea remained a dream. In November, 1895, the Leavenworth Library was begun again through a library association formed that month by several women's clubs. (All previous efforts had been made by men.) In 1896, the library was moved to a room in the courthouse, and in April, 1899, the city voted to assess a tax for the support of a free library. Later that year the women's clubs raised $3,000.00 as a beginning towards a building.
THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY
Mr. A. J. Tulloch wrote to Andrew Carnegie, whom he had previous known, and on January 16, 1900, Carnegie offered $25,000.00 for a library building, the first such public library building offer made in Kansas. Later this amount was raised to $30,000.00. In January the new board of directors received the books and furniture for the library, and on February l, 1900, the Leavenworth Free Public Library was reopened. The cornerstone of the new library building was laid May 5, 1900, on a site at Fifth and Walnut Streets. The architect was M. R. Sanquinet of Fort Worth, Texas. The name of the contractor has been lost. The 12,000 square foot building was opened May 1, 1902.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING
The library building, in the Neoclassical tradition, is a two-story structure on a raised basement. The exterior is of gray brick and Bedford stone, with gray terra-cotta trimmings. The projecting pedimented pavilion is centrally located. The classical detailing which comprises the entablature (including the dentalled cornice, decorated frieze and various classical moldings) is one of the signficant features. The recessed panels give the building character and dimension. The window treatment on the two wings is Beaux-Arts inspired. The arched treatment is formed by a pair of windows topped by transom light on the first floor topped by a recessed panel topped by a semi-circular fanlight. The double front door is topped by an exaggerated classically derived pediment supported by two brackets and a floral frieze above the door. The pavilion boasts Ionic columns and there is an elaborate medallion of a book, a fern and a torch which decorates the pediment. Above the building is a balustrade. The floors were covered with cork carpet and the furniture was chosen in natural oak to match the woodwork. (This original furniture is still
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