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  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  

OSWEGO

EARLY LIBRARY HISTORY
 
The Oswego Library Association was formed by the Oswego Women's Club and was chartered December 24, 1877. Judge Nelson Case, one of the primary supporters of the library, helped organize a reading room. Capital stock was sold and in the first year $363.50 was taken in receipts. The reading room was located over the old city building. For many years the library was supported through donations and through money raised from lectures and other entertainments.
 
Carnegie Library: Oswego, Kansas

 
THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY
 
In 1909, efforts began to obtain a grant from Andrew Carnegie, and on December 2 of that year he offered $5,000.00 for a library building, following which the city pledged an annual maintenance amount of $500.
 
The names of the architect and contractor have been lost. The building was dedicated June 12, 1912. Judge Nelson Case gave the dedicatory address. At the time of the dedication the Oswego Library Association merged with the free library. Notes and mortgages worth $1,000.00 were also turned over to the management of the Carnegie Free Library Association.
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING
 
The library is one-story above a raised basement with a red brick exterior on a stone foundation. The trim and water-table is probably of Carthage stone. The building has minimal detailing. The front entrance is decorated with a stone tablet above the door bearing the words "Carnegie Library." The building has a peaked roof.
 
LATER LIBRARY HISTORY
 
On February 23, 1965, the voters approved a $9,000.00 bond issue for library improvements. Application was made for federal funds to match local moneys and the project proceeded apace. Improvements included a new roof and gutters; a canopy over the front door; new floor covering for the reading room; a lowered ceiling; and new plumbing, wiring and lighting. An open house was held February 4, 1968. Another remodeling project, in 1979, completely redecorated the library.
 
The library has 10,100 volumes and serves a population of 2,250. 27,500 items were circulated in 1984. The 1985 budget is $17,400.00. The library is a member of the Southeast Kansas Library System.