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Welcome to the Kirkwood Public Library
The first library was housed on the top floor of the original City Hall Building. It was described by Mrs. Maurene Guire, Library Director from 1953 to 1976, as a "lovely, sunny room. It was immense--we had to share it with the city's engineering department, but they didn't use it very often". The library began with 2000 donated books and was the first tax-supported public library in St. Louis County.
Cyril Clemens (a long-time Kirkwood Public Library patron and distant relative of Samual Clemens) said of the first library "It was right above the prison there. When I would walk to the library I heard a voice. It was my ex-gardener pleading for his release." He recalls the library as a comfortable place, despite the undesirables downstairs.
In 1940, the present library at the corner of Taylor and Jefferson was built. The first bond issue election in 1938 to build a library building failed--the first time the citizens of Kirkwood have failed to financially support their library when asked. The reason given for its defeat--library officials had chosen an unpopular location--now the site of St. Peter's Catholic School.
But when the present site was selected, the second bond issue was successful and the building was constructed. There was a working fireplace on the West end and a window seat on the east end.
Another view of the new library facing West.
In 1955, a $130,000 bond issue was voted for a new addition and equipment (plus an additional $25,000 for an auditorium). This addition doubled the floor space but it was outgrown before the dust settled.
A second addition on the south (Argonne side) was built in 1964.
In 1994, work began on an elevator which brought the library into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This construction was financed through a $75,000 matching federal grant administered by the Missouri State Library.
In 1994, the Library Board voted to ask Kirkwood for a tax levy increase, from 13 cents to 24 cents. Library supporters used every means to let the public know the importance of this issue, even the annual Greentree Parade.
The tax levy passed in November of 1994 and the library opened on Sunday for the first time in January 1996. Thus keeping one of the promises made before the election.
In 1995 the Board of Trustees finally adopted this Mission Statement-- "The Kirkwood Public Library is dedicated to providing information services and resources which enrich and enlighten the community". They also adopted 5 long-range goals. The first "to make available popular materials in a variety of formats in a timely fashion, displayed in a way that facilitates browsing."
A survey was done in 1993 of all residents of Kirkwood They were asked what library materials were most important to them. Best-sellers, new fiction and non-fiction, were at the top of the list. We promised during the election campaign to provide more popular materials and we have. The budget for children's materials is now 7 times what it was before the election. The collection of videos and CD's has tripled. Videos circulate more than any other material.
Recently we asked patrons to tell us what the library means to them. One said "I have come to Kirkwood library since I was a very small child. I remember story hour as child and brought my own three children to story hour and bedtime programs when they were young (they are now 14, 12, and 9). The thrill of checking out unlimited numbers of books is still with me--what a freedom! The librarians are warm, helpful and knowledgeable. This will always be a happy place full of great memories and good books!"
The second goal is to merchandise the collection through programs, outreach, and promotional materials. Our goal is to "push books". One way we do that is through a highly organized, and wildly popular, summer reading program for children. We have also have many popular humanities reading and discussion groups adults.
The Friends group provides a strong support and advocacy role for the Library. They were especially invaluable during the tax increase campaign. The annual book sale in May raises over $10,000 annually for the Library.
We provide outreach through the schools, activities such as the Kirkwood Jamboree, and a homebound delivery program to nursing and retirement homes as well as private residences.
The 1996 year was the Year of the Storyteller. We received a grant which provided funds for the acquisition of materials for storytellers and programs.
Goal 3 is to provide accurate information in a timely manner. This is what we in the business call "Reference". In 1996 our Reference Department answered over 14,000 questions.
On May 31, 1996, 8 municipal libraries in St. Louis County formed the Municipal Library Consortium. This will provide a shared catalog and allow us to further share our resources.
Our goal is to answer more questions through electronic and on-line data bases. |
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Click the historical pictures below to
see a larger view. |
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