Building for the Future

Located at 527 Brown Avenue, the current Osawatomie Public Library building was dedicated in 1980 after the original Carnegie library was razed. For nearly three decades, the building remained unchanged until 2008, when the City of Osawatomie and the Library Board of Trustees launched a multi-phase expansion project to better serve a growing and evolving community.

Phase I (2008–2010)

The first phase of expansion brought important updates, including:

• A welcoming formal lobby
• Improved public restrooms
• A dedicated “Kansas Room"
• An elevator for full access to the lower level
• Other ADA-compliant improvements

This project was made possible through a combination of funding sources, including a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce in 2009, along with $70,000 in matching funds from the City’s Library Fund and General Fund.

Phase II (2010–2015)

Phase II was envisioned as a much larger project to address several long-standing challenges:

• Outdated mechanical and electrical systems
• Limited meeting, tutoring, and program space
• Insufficient parking
• Lack of shelving for growing collections

By 2010, library use had tripled compared to just a few years prior, and collections had expanded beyond books to include DVDs, CDs, and audiobooks. The rise of computers and the internet further highlighted the need for additional space.

After considering the options – such as constructing a new building, adding a second floor, expanding the existing structure, or acquiring and renovating an existing building elsewhere in the community – the Library Board and City determined that an addition to the current building was the most cost-effective and feasible solution. Plans for a 2,200-square-foot addition were submitted in 2010 and 2011 but, unfortunately, critical grant funding was not awarded.

Although a larger construction project was delayed, progress continued. By 2015, the children’s department was relocated to the lower level – a move that had been suggested as part of a third and final phase of the expansion plan. While not originally designed for this purpose, staff transformed the area into a bright, welcoming space that now features expanded collections for children, tweens, and teens, along with areas for free play, story time, and youth technology.

Revisiting Phase II (2023–Present)

Today, the library is revisiting Phase II and launching a renewed expansion effort that builds on the original plans while reimagining them for the needs of 2025 and beyond.

Since 2010, libraries across the nation have evolved into vibrant community hubs, offering not just books but also digital resources, technology access, educational programming, and space for community partners. Osawatomie Public Library reflects this transformation. While circulation of physical items remains high, demand has grown for:

• Social and educational programming
• Access to technology and makerspace tools
• Flexible meeting spaces
• Recreational and leisure space for all ages
• Partnerships with community organizations such as ECKAN, Catholic Charities, and Kansas Works

At the same time, many of the original challenges remain -- limited space, outdated systems, and inadequate parking -- all of which have only intensified over time. More than 45 years have passed since our library was built, and 15 years since its last major update. The community’s needs have outpaced the facility, leaving us behind peer libraries of similar size.

With the support of the City of Osawatomie, the Library Board of Trustees is working to reimagine Phase II's original plans and engage the community throughout the process. The goal is to honor the vision of past efforts while creating a modern, flexible, and welcoming library that reflects the needs of today’s residents and prepares for tomorrow’s opportunities.

The library has always been a place of growth, connection, and discovery. Our reimagined Phase II is about ensuring it remains that way for generations to come.

What’s Coming Next?

To support this next phase of expansion planning, the Library Board of Trustees is hosting a fundraiser event in Fall 2025. You can learn more about our Hocus Pocus party here!

Proceeds from the event will be dedicated to the existing Library Fund, which directly supports our ability to engage with architects and other experts, create matching funds for grant opportunities, and build a reserve for project expenses.

In our continuing commitment to being a free or low-cost community resource, please know that any improvements to the library, its facility, or its operations will not adversely impact fees or property taxes.

As we continue our planning process, public engagement opportunities will be announced through our website and on our social media, plus included in regular Library communications (like our monthly newsletter!). We're just getting started!