Hutchinson Public Library

Between 1886-1921, Andrew Carnegie created a fund in order. Kansas communities in particular were interested in this fund as the population expanded and towns began to grow. Up till 1902, Hutchinson did not have a public library and the City Council knew that one would be required in order for the city to continue to grow. After submitting a request for funds, the Council had to follow the guidelines required by the Foundation. A budget of $1500 a year was created in order to continue developing the library. The land was donated by Louis Bunker and an architect from Emporia named C.W. Squires was secured to draw up the plans. The building originally had enough room for 16,000 books and an art gallery. By 1904 the library had opened to the public. In 1949, the city had outgrown the Carnegie library and a new one was constructed at Main and 9th. The building is currently used as the Union Labor Temple.