History of Minneapolis Public Library Library's homepage
Click map for
library services
in your area.
| The Minneapolis City Library had its origin in the 1880's when the Literary Club started a library in the City Hall building. Library cards were sold for $1 for one year. The money obtained from the sale of these cards was used to buy books. The library was open one day each week on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. The members of the Literary Club were the librarians. Due to the age and health of the members of the Literary Club, the P.E.O. took over the responsibility of the library until 1945. The library was operated for forty to fifty years without a budget. In 1945 the city took over the library. A library board was appointed and the first paid librarian was hired. The library was free to residents of Minneapolis with residents outside the city limits paying a yearly fee. In 1963 a bond election for $10,000 was held. Of that sum, $5,000 was used to purchase the telephone building which was to become the library and $5,000 was used to remodel the building and purchase other needed items. On April 6, 1964, the library was moved from the City Hall building to its present location at 209 North Sheridan. This building is located on the site of the school building George Washington Carver attended while living in Minneapolis. In 1986 the front of the building was sandblasted back to the original brick, painting around the windows and doors was done, and new carpet was installed on tile steps. Microfilm of the Minneapolis Messenger was added to the services provided to the public in 1986. The library became the Minneapolis Public Library when it joined the Central Kansas Library System in 1976. Patrons now benefit from the many services CKLS has to offer. |
1987 picture of Minneapolis Public Library 
2006 picture of Minneapolis Public Library |