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LYNDON

EARLY LIBRARY HISTORY
 
No record of the library's early history was located. There was apparently no library or library association in Lyndon prior to 1910.
 
Carnegie Library: Lyndon, Kansas

 
THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY
 
In 1909, Mayor L. T. Hussey corresponded with Andrew Carnegie who offered $7,500.00 for a library building on Dec. 2, 1909. (The amount was later increased to $8,000.00.) It was soon discovered, however, that the city of Lyndon, a third-class city, could not generate the $750.00 needed for the pledge because, by law, third class cities could not levy more than .40 mills for the maintenance of a library. It was decided to find out whether the residents of Valley Brook Township, as well as the residents of Lyndon, would agree to support a library tax. The question was put before the voters in March, 1910, and was approved by a majority vote of 81. The measure had had plenty of detractors and there was some bitter feeling about the proposition.
 
Lots 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of Block 22 were purchased from Mrs. F. H. Richardson for $500.00, at a location commonly known as East Sixth and Ash.
 
The architects for the building were Keene & Simpson, and the contract was awarded to Reyburn Laird Construction Co. When the project was nearing completion The People's Herald of March 2, 1911, listed the receipts and expenditures for the project with this heading: "Library Fund Exhibit. Read it. Quit Croakin'."
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING
 
The building is rectangular, one story on a raised basement. The exterior is of buff-colored brick with sandstone quoins; the projecting areas around the front door also have quoins. The building is distinguished by one large window on either side of the entrance. A slight porch frames the entryway and is surmounted by a tablet bearing the words "Carnegie Library". The building has a hipped-roof with a small parapet extending above the structure of the walls.
 
LATER LIBRARY HISTORY
 
In 1983 the library was badly in need of renovation. Application was made to the Jones Trust of Emporia, and the Trust offered a $185,000.00 grant for the renovation of the building. The project was completed in 1983.
 
The library has 5,600 volumes and serves a population of 1,550. 4,200 items were circulated in 1984. The 1985 budget is $8,000.00. Since 1911, when Mayor Hussey signed an ordinance agreeing to pay $50.00 per annum out of the general fund for the maintenance of the library (in addition to the library levy yield), the City of Lyndon has given this amount. In July, 1984, however, the city council of Lyndon increased this amount to $250.00.