Mission
Statement:
The
mission of the Chanute Public Library is to provide
modern library resources and services necessary to meet
the evolving educational, recreational, and
informational needs of the public, thus enhancing
individual and community life.
Library
History:
The
Public Library Association was organized with S. W.
Brewster as chairman on September 16, 1901. Their
purpose was to promote the importance of a public
library so that a city levy could be obtained for it’s
maintenance. On March 22, 1906, the Carnegie Library
Building was dedicated and the Children’s Room opened
in January 1928. The library continued to expand with
remodeling occurring in 1938 and 1962. Then, on April
17, 1990, announcement was made that the Santa Fe Depot
would be renovated to house the Chanute Public Library
and the Martin & Osa Johnson Safari Museum, allowing
the city to preserve and restore the depot, and provide
much needed space for the museum and the library.
Depot
Building History:
In
1902, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad began
construction of the Chanute Depot. The first floor
housed the Wells Fargo, baggage rooms, the ticket
office, gentlemen’s and ladies’ waiting room, a news
stand and parcel room. The north end was occupied by the
Harvey lunch room and kitchen. The second floor was
divided between living areas for the Harvey waitresses
and division offices for the railroad.
In
1917, the Santa Fe expanded the Depot by adding north,
east and south wings to the building. The new additions
were designed and built to blend with the existing
structure. For many years, this building served as the
largest Santa Fe depot in Southeast Kansas. In 1971, the
Chanute Depot saw its last passenger train and twelve
years later, the Santa Fe completely abandoned the
building.
In
June, 1991, with work on the roof already underway,
renovation within the building began. While plans called
for the renovation to allow for current and future needs
of the new residents, much of the original architecture
of the building was maintained. With few changes, wall
placements on the first floor were maintained, and
ceilings and wainscotting were either preserved or
replicated. Throughout the building, lighting, floor
coverings and colors were chosen to blend into the early
1900's architecture. The library moved into its new home
on May 9, 1992.
How
to Get a Library Card:
Kansas residents may receive a library card at no charge. For those over 18, one form of photo identification with current information showing name and address (or a photo identification with other acceptable proof of residence) must be submitted and an application filled out. Children under the age of 18 must have cards co-signed by a parent or legal guardian. This form also either authorizes or denies minors access to the public Internet computers. The patron card must be presented each time materials are checked out. Loss of the card must be reported immediately or the patron will be responsible for materials checked out on it. Replacement cards will be issued at the cost of $1.00 each.
Sek-N-Find Catalog
The Chanute Public Library card
catalog is now online! Search the Library’s
collection, explore the collection of other area
libraries, and have materials you find transferred
to your local library! This new service is available
for patrons of the Chanute Public Library at no
charge!
The Chanute Public Library is a member
of the Southeast Kansas Library System and has joined a
consortium which includes 20 libraries in the region.
Users are now able to search the consolidated catalog
for books and materials of all 20 libraries and place a
hold on items from any of the libraries.
Library card holders can then use the
SEK-N-Find
catalog to request items to be transferred between
libraries for checkout by the person requesting them.
Users can limit their search to items only at Chanute by
using the “Advanced Search”, or by logging in so that
the catalog will recognize which library they are
registered with.
Users may also renew items and access their
reading history once logged into their account.
Collections
& Lending Policies:
The library annually circulates over 130,000 items, including books for all ages, magazines, music recordings, audiobooks, videos and DVDs. Special collections include large-print books and educational toys.
There is no limit on the number of items which may be borrowed by an individual except:
Video cassettes and DVDs – 5 per card
Reference books and rare or historically valuable books do not circulate.
Length
of Loan Periods:
Adult & children’s books – 3 weeks
New fiction and designated non-fiction – 1 week
Interlibrary loan materials – set by the lending library
Magazines – 1 week
Video cassettes and DVDs – 1 week
Other audio-visual materials – 3 weeks
Renewals may be made in person, over the telephone, via email or online through the
Sek N Find catalog. All materials may be renewed one time. Items borrowed on Interlibrary Loan can be renewed at the discretion of the owning library. Items which other patrons have placed a hold on cannot be renewed.
Reserved
Materials:
Library patrons may reserve materials in person, over the telephone, via email or online through the Sek N Find catalog. The patron will be notified when the materials become available. Books and other materials must be picked up within three days of notification unless the patron requests additional time.
Return
of Materials:
The patron is responsible for returning materials on or before the date due. If items are overdue, the patron may be refused the right to borrow additional materials until the missing materials are returned or replacement costs are paid. Materials are the responsibility of the owner of the ard used to check them out and/or the co-signer in the case of juveniles.
Fines are $0.50 per day for all materials after the grace period. Grace periods vary from 7 days for DVDs and videos to 14 days for most other materials. Fines on interlibrary loans will be based on charges made by the loaning library. Items owned by the Chanute Public Library can be returned inside the library on a Friday fine free. An accumulated $10.00 fine will suspend borrowing privileges. Library cards must be free of any charges before Internet access will be allowed.
Materials lost or damaged well beyond normal wear and tear will be charged to the patron. Fees paid are for damage to municipal property and do not constitute a purchase of the item.
Library
Services:
Reference
Service:
Staff is available to help you answer your questions or assist you in finding information for research. We also provide access to several research databases .
Interlibrary
Loan: If
we do not have the particular book or article you
need, ask us to borrow it for you from another Kansas
library.
Talking
Books:
The Federal Government provides, free of charge,
special books on tape for those with visual impairment
or other physical disability. Applications may be
picked up at the Chanute Public Library.
Book
Discussion Group:
This group meets at the library one evening each month
for an informal discussion of a book. Subjects and
dates vary, so ask someone at the desk for current
information.
Adult
Programs:
Other adult programs are offered throughout the year,
including programs sponsored by the Kansas Humanities
Council and special Christmas craft programs. Ask at
the library, or check our calendar, for upcoming
events.
Memorial/Gift
Program:
You can purchase materials for the library’s
collection to commemorate a birthday, anniversary, to
honor a friends or a family member, or simply to give
a lasting gift to the community. Book plates with the
honoree’s name will be included in each book.
Internet
& Word Processing:
The library provides 10 public-access computers which provide access to the Internet as well as Word, Excel, and Power Point. Users are allowed 1 hour per day. Library cards are required for access, but adults can be logged on with “visitor” status. There is a charge for printing.
Book
Sale:
Each fall the Friends of Chanute Library sell donated
or discarded books at great prices.
Income
Tax Forms:
From January through April, the library makes available the most popular federal tax forms free of charge while supplies lat. Other tax forms may be photocopied at a small charge. AARP volunteers are also available 2 afternoons each week for free tax preparation. Please call the library for exact times and dates.
Kansas Library Card:
Provides access to Audiobooks and More, state-sponsored databases and Homework Kansas. (LINK)http://kansas.lib.overdrive.com/470C4FA2-2B94-4146-979A-DE14B869C7D0/10/378/en/Default.htm
Children’s
Services:
Story
Time: Story Time is scheduled throughout the year for children ages 3-6 and are held in the Story Room in the Children’s Section. Class sizes are limited, so pre-registration is encouraged. Schedules vary throughout the year, so check for current offerings.
Toddler
Story Time:
These sessions are offered for toddlers and an accompanying adult throughout the year. No pre-registration is required, but check with the library for current scheduling.
Summer Reading Program:
Beginning the Tuesday after Memorial Day, youth are encouraged to join us for a summer of reading pleasure. Special programs are also offered throughout the summer. A calendar of summer events is available at the library beginning in mid-May.
Other Programs:
Special craft programs and other after-school programs are offered throughout the year, so check with the library or access our calendar through facebook for details.
Staff
and Library Board of Trustees:
Staff:
Susan Willis, Director
Cindy Dent, Adult Services
Arlene Hasty, Children’s Services
Kandi Wilson, Children’s Services
Connie Woodard, Young Adult Librarian
Dorothy Hush
Diane Barton
Judy Wilson
Jeana Lawrence
Summer Harrison
Library Board of Trustees:
Carrie LaRue, Chair
Benny Robbins, Vice Chair
Tamarra Parrett, Treasurer
Suzanne Ramsey, Secretary
Troy Krenzel
Deanne Schoenberger
Bob Geiger
Board
of Trustee meetings:
Meetings
of the Board of Trustees are held on the second Monday
of each month at 5:00 p.m. in the Leighty Conference
Room at the Depot. No meeting is held in the month of
August. The public is invited to attend. If anyone
wishes to have business acted upon at a board meeting,
they should contact the library director or Board
chairman at least one week prior to the meeting so that
such business may be included in the printed agenda.
