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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  

COFFEYVILLE

EARLY LIBRARY HISTORY
 
The Chautauqua Club organized the Current Club in Coffeyville, which contracted a "traveling library" from the Kansas Traveling Libraries Commission. In February, 1906, four clubs were federated and the Federation assumed the responsibility of providing a library. Annual membership tickets of $1.00 were sold to provide funds for book purchases, and each of the four clubs took turns keeping the library open. In April, 1910, an election was held and $5,000.00 in bonds was voted to purchase a library site. A library board was appointed with the charge of constructing and operating a public library for the city.
 
Photo: Carnegie Library in Coffeyville Kansas

 
THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY
 
In April, 1911, a letter was written to Andrew Carnegie requesting funds for the construction of a library. On January 6, 1911, James Bertram, Carnegie's secretary, responded with an offer of $25,000.00 for construction of a building provided the city would maintain support in the amount of $2,500.00 per year. On February 2, 1911, the city commissioners passed a resolution to establish a library and support it by a tax levy.
 
The site for the library was the southeast corner of Eighth and Spruce Streets. The library was designed by A. C. Henderson and the contract went to Charles S. Davis. On April 24, 1912, the Carnegie Public Library opened to the public with a dedication program provided by the Federation of Women's Clubs which formally turned over to the library all the books in its collection, approximately 2,200 volumes.
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING
 
The one story building on a raised basement is T-shaped and faced with Coffeyville Vitrified Brick & Tile Company's Number One paving (red) brick. It is based with Carthage stone, with all trim-mark stone above the base of terra-cotta. The roof is of Spanish tile and includes tile trimmings. Ionic columns frame the front door with the words "Carnegie Public Library" in high-relief above the doorway.
 
LATER LIBRARY HISTORY
 
By 1965 it was evident that the building could no longer house the size of the collection nor the services which were then being pro- vided. Several attempts were made to raise funds for a new building, but none were successful. The library was placed under the Urban Renewal Project in April, 1968. The project was transferred to the Community Development Program in October, 1975, and construction was begun on the new library in January, 1978. Construction was completed and the move made to the new building in July, 1979.