Carnegie Legacy in Kansas logo: Link that takes you to the home page  
  Table of Contents about Andrew Carnegie About Allen Gardiner, author of The Carnegie Legacy in Kansas Further information about Libraries featured in this book Carnegie Legacy in Kansas logo: Link that takes you to the home page  

MCPHERSON

EARLY LIBRARY HISTORY
 
The earliest library movement in McPherson began in 1883, and on November 15 of that year a charter was granted to the McPherson Library and Literary Association. Shares in the corporation were sold for $25.00 each. A library was located on West Marlin Street, but failed after a few years. In January, 1902, The Ladies' Reading Circle met at the Congregational Church for the purpose of organizing a public library. There was a good response and a public meeting was set for February 28. A library association was formed and a library and reading rooms were opened in the new courthouse on March 1, 1902. A special election was held on December 20, 1904, to legally establish a public library and to provide for a library levy. The measure passed and the library collection was moved to the city building. The McPherson Library Association turned over its property to the McPherson Free Public Library on April 21, 1905.
 
Carnegie Library: McPherson, Kansas

 
THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY
 
Mrs. Richard Miller, who had lived at Peabody, Kansas, where there was an attractive Carnegie library, moved to McPherson and immediately started a movement to procure a Carnegie library for her new place of residence. After canvassing the city council, local clubs and the businessmen of McPherson, it was seen that the citizenry would support the idea and Andrew Carnegie was approached for a grant. The Carnegie Corporation offered $12,500.00 for a building on March 16, 1915.
 
A site was chosen at the south side of the jail park, and was deeded to the city by the county commissioners for $1.00. The site was to be known as the Library Park. The location is on West Marlin.
 
The architectural firm of Markgraf & Mampe, of Kansas City, Mo., was chosen to design the building, and William Mampe drew up the plans. The plans were accepted by the board on May 28, 1915, and were then approved by the Carnegie Corporation. The contract was let October 15, 1917, to W. C. Barnes, of Hutchinson.* Groundbreaking ceremonies were held October 24, and work began at once. The building was opened in December, 1918.
 
* All of the written library histories say the contract was let to J. W. Flanagan of Kansas City. The McPherson Daily Republican of Oct. 17, 1917, states that W. C. Barnes, of Hutchinson, was given the contract the previous evening.
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING
 
The building was rectangular, 35' x 62', one-story above a raised basement in the Art Nouveau style. The exterior was of chocolate tapestry brick with trimmings in cream-colored terra cotta. An elaborate portico framed the front entrance and a large arched window design was carried throughout the structure.