WINFIELD

EARLY LIBRARY HISTORY

The first library was opened in 1880 by the W.C.T.U. and they maintained it for five years, at which time the books were given to the high school library. There was apparently no further movement made to maintain a library for many years.

THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY

The Carnegie Corporation papers indicate that Andrew Carnegie offered $15,000.00 for a library building on February 15, 1902. Apparently the offer was turned down by the city at that time, for the records indicate the library was not formally established until 1912, at which time the city assumed support of it.

A site for the new library was chosen at Tenth and Millington, It cost the city $3,500,00. The architects were E. C. Smith and J. D. Parr, of Oklahoma City. The name of the contractor has been lost. The building was opened January l, 1913.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING

The building is rectangular, of brick and reinforced concrete, one story above a raised basement. The trim is of Carthage stone and the roof is of tile. The lobby is finished in white marble and tiles flanked by four massive square columns of oak. The woodwork is of oak, in Mission style.

LATER LIBRARY HISTORY

The southeast room in the basement served as the Red Cross Dressing Department during both World War I and World War II.

The library now has 37,000 volumes and serves a population of 10,750. 91,600 items were circulated in 1984. The 1985 budget is $109,500.00, The library is a member of the South Central Kansas Library System.

LIBRARIANS

Miss Jessie Huston	1 Jan 1913 - Oct 1927
Mrs. Ruth M. Craig	Oct 1927 - 2 Nov 1934 (died)
Miss Julia Bliss	1934 - 1943
Miss Dorothy Bratton (acting)	1943 - 1945
Miss Dorothy Bratton	1945 - 28 Feb 1975
Mrs. Leslie Bell	1 Mar 1975 - 30 Apr 1978
Mrs. Jane Lancaster	1 May 1978 - 30 Sep 1979
John D. Richmond	1 Oct 1979 - 1 Aug 1982
Miss Cynthia K. Berner	2 Aug 1982 - 31 Jul 1984
Mrs. Phykllis Lammert (acting)	1 Aug 1984 - 30 Dec 1984
Rev. Paul H. Jackson	1 Jan 1985 -