Independence Public Library (IPL) is a small public library that has stood in the same location for more than 100 years, in

Independence, Kansas Independence is a city in and the county seat of Montgomery County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 8,548. It was named in commemoration of the Declaration of Independence. History Independence w ...

. Today the library serves over thirteen thousand local residents and works in partnership with several other Kansas libraries and agencies. Its motto is "creating possibilities, changing lives."

History

IPL traces its roots back to 1882 when the Ladies Library Association of Independence was tasked with finding and securing books for a small library. That goal came to fruition on December 1 of that year, when the group opened a library in the City Council room in City Hall and lined the one bookshelf with 94 books purchased for $94.25. Over the next twelve years, the Association grew the collection, moving every few years until the Association began talks with the Mayor to open a full-time home for the library. Those discussions resulted in the city agreeing to match the building funds obtained by the Association, which included a $22,50
Carnegie grant
In 1907 the library was finally opened to the public, and was then named the Carnegie Independence Public Library, located at 5th and Maple, where it still stands today. Over the years the facility has been redesigned, redecorated, and re-energized, and now stands at 13,500 square feet. In 2009 the library faced dramatic budget cuts and possible closure. After significant changes instituted by library administrators, the library experienced remarkable recovery, and in 2012 was given th
Best Small Library in America Award
cosponsored by the

Library Journal ''Library Journal'' is an American trade publication for librarians. It was founded in 1876 by Melvil Dewey. It reports news about the library world, emphasizing public libraries, and offers feature articles about aspects of professional prac ...

and the

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), a merging of the William H. Gates Foundation and the Gates Learning Foundation, is an American private foundation founded by Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates. Based in Seattle, Washington, it was l ...

Library holdings

From fiction to anime, mystery, history, and large print, IPL's shelves cover a wide range of subject matter and formats. Patrons can also find DVDs, video games, computers, eReaders, puzzles, microfilm readers, printers, scanners, and a nearly complete set of yearbooks from Independence High School dating back to 1911. The library is also a member o
SEKnFind
a 41-member consortium of Southeast Kansas Libraries, allowing for a robust inter-library loan program.

Services

IPL is dedicated to creating and maintaining a solid connection with the public. Toward that end, the library has employed many tools, including an ongoing social media campaign, and several active Facebook pages for different interest groups. Programming is often held in the Library'
Kansas Room
and includes workshops in beginning computing, genealogy, knitting, creative writing, book discussions, and more. There is also a Library Book Store, located on the second floor of the Library, an active Children's Library, and a Teens Space.

References

External links

Independence Public Library
Public libraries in Kansas Carnegie libraries in Kansas Independence, Kansas {{Kansas-struct-stub