Category: Centennial
1920 Population
Population of Kirkwood, MO: 4,422.
1926 Collection
By 1926, the library’s collection had grown to 6,500 books.
Library Board Created
Mayor R. L. Jacobsmeyer appoints the first members of the Library Board. Mrs. Lillie O Walker served as the library’s first board president. The first meeting of the Kirkwood Library Board was held on April 11, 1927. In this year, the Library Board established a KPL Constitution and set borrower…
Mrs. Walker Resigns
In spring of 1949, Mrs. Walker resigned from the library board after serving for 22 years.
Artwork Collection
In 1965, a circulating art collection is established. The collection consisted of approximately 20 pictures. The rental fee was $0.50 monthly, with $0.25 daily fine for overdue prints. Borrowers were allowed to keep the prints for a month, and could renew provided there was no waiting list. Patrons were required…
Library Opens at 140 East Jefferson
By late 1940, construction of the library’s dedicated building was completed at the corner of Jefferson and Taylor. The new library building cost approximately $41,500 to build (including the purchase price for the lot). A working fireplace became the centerpiece on the west end and windows seating on the east…
Cornerstone Laying
On March 10, 1940, the library’s cornerstone was laid down, which can still be found on the northeast corner of the library. The ceremony was presided over by Mrs. Walker. The ceremony included music by the High School Band, a speech, history of the library, a prayer and benediction. Included…
1939 Bond Issue
The library continued to grow and by 1937, the need for a new building was apparent. An initial 1938 bond issue failed to pass. The reasoning was that Library officials has chosen an unpopular location, the current site of St. Peter Catholic School on Clay Ave. However, a 1939 bond…
First Board Meeting
The first meeting of the Kirkwood Library Board was held on April 11, 1927.
“Library Day”
On May 8, 1924, the Kirkwood Library Committee declared the date “Library Day” for the City of Kirkwood. Local school children brought home flyers announcing the news, requesting families donated used books to help establish a collection for the city’s new library. The committee and other volunteers secured space for…
