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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  

CONCORDIA

EARLY LIBRARY HISTORY
 
The first attempt at a library occurred in 1881. A public notice in The Blade stated that "We have undertaken to establish a Liberal, Scientific, Historical Library in this city," and called for publishers to donate works. "Works of Art, and Biographies of noted men are all acceptable, as such works will be kept in the library." An annual membership fee of $5.00 was required. This effort apparently failed, for later, several citizens decided to form a library, and a fund was started by Mrs. Caroline Dudley and Mrs. J. E. Wilfong, who volunteered to grind scissors, going door to door, and to turn their earnings over to the library fund. On November 18, 1892, the Concordia Ladies Library Association was formed.
 
The library association was given a boost with the unexpected visit of Miss Helen Gould, daughter of Jay Gould, owner of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, on an annual inspection of the line. Miss Gould attended an entertainment put on by the ladies as a benefit, "and as she was leaving, dropped a five dollar gold piece in the plate for donations, astonishing the little girl who had charge of it." When she returned home she sent 50 volumes, of standard classics, from her own collection.
 
Carnegie Library: Concordia, Kansas

 
THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY
 
Andrew Carnegie was asked for a grant to erect a library building in Concordia, and on December 13, 1907, he offered $10,000.00. In January, 1908, a site was secured on the northeast corner of Seventh and Broadway.
 
The name of the architect has been lost but the contract was awarded to W. T. Short, on May 13, 1908, for $9,552.13. The building was completed in 1909.
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING
 
The building is rectangular, of native limestone with white stone trim. The front porch is of classical design, and two Ionic columns frame the doorway. A somewhat elaborate design is found on the pediment. The building has a flat roof.
 
LATER LIBRARY HISTORY
 
By 1969, the building was no longer adequate and a one-mill levy was made by the city not to exceed ten years in order to raise $100,000.00 for a new library. Senator Frank Carlson, a Concordia native and resi- dent, who is the only Kansan to serve as Governor of Kansas, and in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, offered his papers and memorabilia to the new library. A nationwide campaign was conducted and $50,000.00 was raised for the Carlson Room in the new building.