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Pittsburg Public Library
308 N. Walnut
Pittsburg, KS 66762
phone
(620) 231-8110
fax
(620) 232-2258
email
anndee@pittsburg.lib.ks.us
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History
The Pittsburg Public Library first opened its doors on January 18, 1902, when the west wing of the city office building was used to house the small collection of books. The citizens quickly realized the value of such an institution and the library’s popularity grew so quickly that by 1907 the Board of Trustees began looking for ways to secure funds for a larger building.
The Board approached steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, already noted for his philanthropy towards libraries, and he agreed to donate $40,000 towards a new building. This action angered area miners and in order to appease them, it was agreed that the Carnegie name would not appear on the façade of the building. The new building, completed in 1912, was one of the few Carnegie libraries built in Prairie Style architecture, another concession to the miners who did not want an elaborate, ornate facility.
The building, which features an exterior of Carthage limestone, was added to the Kansas Register of Historic Places. Again outgrowing its space, the public library underwent an extensive addition and renovation in 1996-98 funded by a one-half cent sales tax. Details of the original building were incorporated into the addition and furnishings reflect the Arts and Crafts style made popular during the early 1900’s. The Kansas Preservation Alliance awarded the library its Award for Excellence in 1999.
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