Editing Wichita, Kansas (section)

== Libraries ==
Libraries were a priority for the early settlers of Wichita. In 1873, the Wichita Library Association was granted with the “purpose of establishing and maintaining a public library and reading room and for the diffusion of knowledge and the promotion of intellectual improvement in the city of Wichita, Sedgwick county, Kansas."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Gibson |first=Hortense |title=Wichita and her public libraries |url=https://www.kansashistory.gov/p/wichita-and-her-public-libraries/12730 |access-date=30 April 2025 |website=Kansas history: A Journal of the Central Plains}}</ref> Despite a plan set forth, this library and the following attempt at establishing one in 1874 never came to pass. Shortly later, another library association was formed by the same name of Wichita Library Association with a required membership fee of three dollars. Women in the community organized events to raise funds. However, this library struggled as well and stopped functioning in 1885. It wasn’t until the city hall was built that the development of a library began to take shape.

“In making their plans for housing the books, the board, then located in the Sedgwick block, petitioned and obtained permission from the city council to occupy rooms on the first floor of the city hall,"<ref name=":0" /> and so it was this decision that proved successful in paving the way for future libraries in Wichita. 

It was at this time that philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, was providing funds for libraries in many states to be built. In fact, Andrew Carnegie funded fifty-eight libraries in Kansas.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Reiber |first=Ellie |date=6 February 2023 |title=Wichita City Carnegie Library |url=https://theclio.com/entry/163769 |access-date=30 April 2025 |website=Clio: Your Guide to History}}</ref> So, it is not surprising that in 1911, the city clerk wrote Andrew Carnegie for donations for a public library, which led to an offer of $75,000 dollars for a building. The Wichita Carnegie Library building opened to the public on May 14, 1915, and under the administration of Mr. Julius Lucht “the library was organized into its present departmental state, with a greatly augmented budget, staff and book collection."<ref name=":0" />. The Wichita Carnegie Library was the main library for the city until 1967."<ref name=":1" />  

Today, Sedgwick County has eight Wichita Public Libraries: [https://www.wichitalibrary.org/Locations/Pages/advanced-learning-library.aspx Advanced Learning Library], [https://www.wichitalibraryfriends.org/bookstore Friends Used Bookstore], [https://www.wichitalibrary.org/Locations/Pages/alford.aspx Alford Branch], [https://www.wichitalibrary.org/Locations/Pages/angelou.aspx Angelou N.E. Branch], [https://www.wichitalibrary.org/Locations/Pages/evergreen.aspx Evergreen Branch], [https://www.wichitalibrary.org/About/ConstructionArchive/Pages/Rockwell-Remodel.aspx Rockwell Branch], [https://www.wichitalibrary.org/Locations/Pages/walters.aspx Walters Branch], and [https://www.wichitalibrary.org/Locations/Pages/westlink.aspx Westlink Branch].