
Columbus Public Library; Columbus, Kansas
Posted by:
boatchick
N 37° 10.330 W 094° 50.567
15S E 336399 N 4115561
Nearing its centennial, the Columbus, Kansas Carnegie library is still in service.
Waymark Code: WM85Y0
Location: Kansas, United States
Date Posted: 02/04/2010
Views: 9
As in many towns, library service in Columbus, Kansas began when a local group created a subscription library. In Columbus, the Shakespeare Club and Home Culture Club started the library in 1904, and by 1905 had moved the collection into a house on Kansas Avenue. On that site in 1912, a new library was built with a $10,000 Carnegie grant. Made of brick with stone trim, the building was designed by George P. Washburn and Son. The official dedication was on 24 September 1913.
A new wing was added in 1979, built to match the original building. Locally-made bricks were used, and roof tiles were special ordered. The library was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 as building #87000932. Today, the building continues to function as the Columbus Public Library.
References:
Jones, Theodore. Carnegie Libraries Across America
Gardiner, Allen. The Carnegie Legacy in Kansas, available
online