OSBORNE

EARLY LIBRARY HISTORY

On January 26, 1877, the Osborne Library, Social and Literary Association was incorporated. Fifty shares of $10.00 each of the capital stock were subscribed and the hall of the corporation on East Street was soon made ready for occupancy. Lectures were to be given that season on such subjects as "Evolution," "God in History," "Life--What Is It?", "Mammoth Cave and Its Denizens," and "Sympathy With Crime." This movement may have failed for there are later reports that the library was founded in 1889 by the Osborne Ladies Library Association.

THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY

Dr. Henshall, Mayor of Osborne, wrote to Andrew Carnegie who approved a gift of $6,000.00 for a library building on January 27, 1912. The city already owned a site east of the courthouse on South Sixth St. and it was offered for the library site. An election was held to approve an annual library tax. The newspaper reported that "Ladies will have the franchise." The measure was approved.

The plans for the library were those used in the construction of the Carnegie library in Stockton. The first set of plans mailed "to the Carnegie people" went astray, as did the second set (which was sent by registered mail). A third set of plans was prepared and the express company was made the carrier, but the Osborne County Farmer reported that for the third time "the plans have vanished as completely as if fire had destroyed them." The plans later turned up, were approved by the Carnegie Corporation, and the contract was let to W. N. Penland not to exceed $6,000.00.

Work on the building began October 18, 1912. The building was completed in June, 1913, and opened July ll, 1913. Margaret Hill McCarter, the noted Kansas author, gave the dedicatory address.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING

The building is rectangular, 32' x 46', one-story on a raised basement, of red brick backed by hollow cement tile. Cottonwood Falls rock was used for window trim and the water-table. The roof is of red tile.

Osborne Public Library
Photo courtesy of the Kansas State Historical Society

LATER LIBRARY HISTORY

The library was remodeled in 1979. The collection is at 9,500 volumes and the library serves a population of 2,150. 23,800 items were circulated in 1984. The 1985 budget is $20,900.00. The library is a member of the Central Kansas Library System.