Preserving Our Canton Treasure

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The Friends of the Library hosted an informational meeting to celebrate the library and inform folks about the Library’s needed improvements. It was an exciting evening with many folks reminiscing about times spent in our library through the years.

Library Board members and Campaign Committee members worked extremely hard to make it a special evening.

The history of our library was shared and each librarian was featured. There were three librarians present and several former board members were also recognized.

The story of how the Library got started was told. A group of 12 women, members of the Canton Literary Study Club, started a small library in the Canton City Hall in 1909. In 1915, application was made to the Andrew Carnegie Foundation for a new library. After an interruption from World War I, the Library was completed in 1921. It is the last built Carnegie Library in the world.

Andrew Carnegie was quoted. “A LIBRARY OUTRANKS ANY OTHER ONE THING A COMMUNITY CAN DO TO BENEFIT IT’S PEOPLE. IT IS A NEVER FAILING SPRING IN THE DESERT.” The Library Board feels the same way! The Library should be the heart of our community and we are doing our best to make it that way. We are serving all ages of the Canton Community and we want to do more.

The Library has several needs in order to move into the future.

#1 Handicapped Accessibility

#2 Meet Fire Code

#3 Waterproof the Basement

#4 Add Central Heating and Air Conditioning

Brennon Randa, of Plan 4 Architectural Design, was on hand to interpret the plans for a modest addition to the east side of the library. This addition will adequately meet our needs and take us on into the next 95 years.  The projected project goal is $400,000.

Various revenue sources were mentioned to meet this goal.

Many thanks to all who attended and to the hardworking committee members who made the evening possible!

95th Birthday Open House was a Success

Canton Township Carnegie Library Posted on by

The Library Celebrated it’s 95th Birthday on Sat. Oct. 1st. Local authors, Mary Ellen Tippin and Susan Davis were on hand with book exhibits and local celebrities, Superintendent John Denk, and Officer Mark read to Children every half hour.

The architects, Brennon Randa and Randy Clark of Plan 4 Architect Design in McPherson were on hand to discuss the proposed modest  addition to the building that will address the future needs of the library.

Girl Scout Troop #50252 collected funds to support the Carnegie Kids Club Lego group.

Kristi Snow, Children’s Story Time leader, led sidewalk chalk art outside, and Campaign Committee members led tours of the proposed new addition that was drawn on the grass in the back yard. Yummy refreshments were served.

Happy 95th  Birthday to the Canton Township Carnegie Library!