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| The Mankato City Library was formed in 1901, because of the interest of a group of women and a young banker, Mr. D.H. Stafford. He persuaded the city to assess a tax for a city library. The library opened May 4, 1901, in two rooms in the Hill Building, now the Mankato Pharmacy with Miss Clara Case as librarian. In April of 1904 Helen Gould of New York donated four hundred books. The library moved to the two upstairs rooms in the Opera House, and remained there until 1939. At that time the old gymnasium in the City Building was remodeled as the present library. This is located on Commercial Street and is easily found. This library has served the city, schools and county for many years. In 1969 the Mankato City Library joined the Central Kansas Library System, which supplies many needed services. The Jewell County Historical Society purchased a microfilm reader which was placed in the library to efficiently serve those who wish to read the Jewell County newspapers. The library has files of newspapers that date from 1874. Many take advantage of this service to research for genealogical information. The librarian and the trustees will do their utmost to provide the community and county with all the library services desired. |
1987 picture of Mankato City Library 2006 picture of Mankato City Library |