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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  

ANTHONY

EARLY LIBRARY HISTORY
 
A citizen petition caused the question of establishing a library to be put on the ballot at the April 6, 1897 election, and the measure passed. William K. Palmer and William B. Jones of the Century Company of New York sent books to form the nucleus of the city library, a collection to be called "The Edwin Roswell Jones Library." It was named in memory of the young son of William B. Jones, who had died at the age of 10. The books were to be part of the city library.
 
On July 4, 1900, the library was honored by a visit from Theodore Roosevelt, then the vice-president of the United States.
 
Photo: Carnegie Library in Anthony Kansas

 
THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY
 
Mayor P. G. Walton opened correspondence with Andrew Carnegie, who offered $10,000.00 for a library building on April 14, 1908. The city council, in January, 1909, pledged $1,000.00 annual support for the library. A desirable site was on North Springfield opposite Dr. Updegraff. One lot was purchased by the Commercial Club on behalf of the library for $275.00. Another lot was obtained from H. L. Irwin for $240.00, but because of a flaw in the title the city had to take condemnation proceedings against Irwin to simplify matters and quiet the title.
 
The original architect engaged, although greatly experienced in building schools, "had little experience in the highly specialized work of library construction." The plans were delayed greatly because another architect had to be hired. Edwin H. Anderson, of New York, "the assistant librarian who ha[d] charge of the Carnegie branch libraries," was asked to look over the architectural plans. He himself designed the interior. John Laurence Mauran, of the firm of Mauran and Russell, St. Louis, designed the final plans. The building was designed as a model small library to be used across the land, and it was the smallest job Mauran had undertaken; it was solely due to his friendship with Anderson that he did so.
 
The contract was given to J. A. Mathien, of Anthony, for $9,142.00. The building was completed April 21, 1911, moved into May 4, 1911, and opened May 6, 1911.
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING
 
The building is nearly square, 56' x 50', one story above a raised basement. The exterior is of vitrified brick with stone trim and a red tile roof. The front porch features an arched opening which frames the door. The building has an ornamented gable and decorative doors and windows.