The Arkansas City Public Library’s journey from a small book collection to a vital community center is a testament to civic dedication and the enduring power of accessible knowledge. This evolution mirrors the spirit of a Courier Traveler, diligently carrying and delivering precious cargo – in this case, information and resources – to enrich the lives of its community members.
The seeds of the library were sown in March 1892 with the Fortnightly Club, a group of public-spirited women who initiated a book collection for their own circle. This initial endeavor, while modest, reflected a nascent desire for shared literary resources. By November 1896, recognizing a broader community need, the collection expanded, opening its doors to “Library Members” beyond the club. Simultaneously, the YMCA offered a reading room, indicating a growing, albeit fragmented, interest in public access to reading materials.
However, these were preliminary steps. The true push for a formal library began in April 1900 with Miss Lillie R. Gilliland. Demonstrating entrepreneurial initiative akin to a courier traveler venturing into uncharted territory, she established the Arkansas City Library in the Commercial Club Assembly Room. This circulating library, funded by membership fees, boasted 500-600 volumes and served 75 members. Yet, this early venture was short-lived. Lack of sustained financial support led to its closure by year’s end, a setback in the journey towards a permanent public library.
Undeterred, the St. Cecilia Club, a local women’s musical society, stepped into the breach. They channeled their artistic talents into fundraising concerts, recognizing that cultural enrichment and access to literature are intertwined threads in a vibrant community. Their efforts culminated in a proposition to establish a free public library in April 1904. Despite considerable advocacy, this initial proposition was unfortunately defeated at the ballot box, a temporary roadblock on the path to accessible knowledge for all.
The turning point arrived with N. D. Sanders, a passionate library advocate who embodied the persistent spirit of a courier traveler determined to reach their destination. His correspondence with philanthropist Andrew Carnegie proved fruitful. Carnegie, renowned for his library-building philanthropy, offered a generous $16,000 (later increased to $18,400) for the construction of a dedicated library building. This pivotal moment, occurring on April 10, 1906, was contingent on the city’s commitment to increased maintenance funding, a crucial partnership for long-term sustainability.
On June 28, 1906, the electorate finally embraced the vision, voting in favor of supporting a public library. The first Library Board was formed shortly after, on July 11, 1906, marking the formal establishment of the institution. A site was chosen at Second Street and West Fifth Avenue, and local architectural firm Smith and Shenck of Fort Worth were commissioned to design the building. Construction contracts were awarded, and local businesses were engaged for plumbing and interior finishing. The Fortnightly Club, whose initial book collection sparked the library movement, contributed 600 volumes to supplement the 3,000 books purchased by the board.
On August 5, 1908, the Arkansas City Public Library officially opened its doors, a beacon of knowledge and community enrichment realized through persistent effort and collaboration. The dedication ceremony, featuring an address by A. J. Hunt, president of the New Era Mill, celebrated this significant milestone. Miss Hattie Osborne, a trained librarian, was hired to catalog the initial collection and train Mrs. A. B. Ranney, who would serve as Head Librarian for the next 24 years, guiding the library through its formative decades. The library began with 3,600 volumes, a collection built on donations and initial acquisitions, ready to serve the community as a vital courier of information and learning.
From its inception, the library served as more than just a repository of books. It became a dynamic community hub, adapting and expanding to meet the evolving needs of Arkansas City. During the Depression era, library circulation surged, highlighting its role as a crucial resource during challenging times. The library continued to modernize, adding a new entrance in 1960 and a mezzanine in 1965 to accommodate its growing collection, always striving to maintain its original architectural character while embracing progress.
By 1980, the library’s expanding holdings necessitated a move to a larger facility. The old post office building at the corner of 5th Avenue and A Street was acquired and extensively remodeled, providing a new home for the library in November 1980. This relocation signified the library’s continued growth and its unwavering commitment to serving as a central courier of knowledge and cultural enrichment for Arkansas City.
Today, the Arkansas City Public Library (ACPL) stands as a testament to its foundational values: free and open access to information, materials, and services for all. It embraces its role as a modern information courier, offering a diverse collection of movies, books, and magazines, alongside programs in the humanities and arts. The library continues to inspire creativity, foster intellectual exchange, and enhance the quality of life for the community it serves, carrying forward the legacy initiated by the Fortnightly Club and all those who championed the vision of a public library in Arkansas City.
