132-year-old library modernizes while preserving the past
11:56 a.m. Monday, November 20, 2006
A small library in Blue Rapids is quite historic. Its longevity gives the library a special distinction. The town of Blue Rapids is the home of a pretty special library.
"It is the oldest library in continuous use as a library in Kansas. Some say west of the Mississippi," said Librarian Lynne Turner.
Blue Rapids was founded in 1870. Lynne says ladies of the town wanted a little bit of culture.
"They decided to form the Ladies Library Association. They actually received their charter in 1874,” Lynne said. “But the first library wasn't here. It was in a store. And they had 100 books."
Library hours
Visit the Blue Rapids Public Library at
14 Public Square
Blue Rapids
Or call them at (785) 363-7709
Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday
Town founders realized the ladies were serious about having a library so an empty lot in the town's square was donated. And in 1876 the doors of the two-story building opened.
The library is small - only 700 square feet - but houses about 6,000 books, with storage on the second floor. A few books are from the library's early days. Lynne says visitors can't check them out, but they are welcome to browse through them.
"This book is the Atlas of Civil War Battles,” she said. “And it's been here since 1891. It was purchased by the Ladies Library Association. And it's been here ever since."
The library is technologically savvy with computers and internet access -- though there are some aspects that aren't automated, such as the library's circulation records, kept in a box. And the genealogical card file.
"I can't tell you how many volunteer hours went into this,” Lynne said. “These cards are an index of everything that has been in the papers from 1871 to the present."
During the library's open hours there is a flurry of activity.
"Sometimes we're so busy in the afternoons that it just feels like we're elbow to elbow," she said.
And Lynne says that flurry of people keeps the library vibrant.
"And honestly, that is the best part of this job - is being able to serve the people of "Blue Rapids," she said.
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