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Chanute Public Library

 

111 N. Lincoln
Chanute, Kansas 66720

(620) 431-3820
(620) 431-3848 (fax)

swillis@chanute.org

Summer Hours:
Monday - Thursday
9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday
9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday - Closed

Winter Hours:
Monday - Thursday
9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday
9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday - 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Events:

  • Rhyme Time, Wednesdays, 10 am, for children birth to 36 months, program runs weekly September through May.

    • Come join a fun story time that features nursery rhymes, stories, clapping rhymes, moving rhymes and FUN!

    • Parents, grandparents, and adults may pre-register at the children's circulation desk 431-3820.

  • The time on Twilight tales is now 6:30.

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. One form of identification with correct information showing name and address must be submitted and an application filled out. Children under the age of 14 must have cards co-signed by a parent or legal guardian. The patron card with name and registration number 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.

Collections & Lending Policies:

The library circulates over 63,000 items, including books for all ages, periodicals, recordings (audio-cassettes, and CDs), videos, and DVDs. Special collections include large-print books, educational toys and jigsaw puzzles.

There is no limit on the number of items which may be borrowed by an individual except:

New fiction (marked with a 7-Day sticker) - 3
Juvenile holiday books (in season) - 2
Video cassettes and DVDs - 2
CD-ROMs - 2 per family (additional restrictions apply)

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
Periodicals - 1 week
Video cassettes and DVDs - 1 week
Other audio-visual materials - 3 weeks
CD-ROMS - 3 weeks

Renewals may be made in person or over the telephone. All materials may be renewed one time after the initial checkout. Items borrowed on Interlibrary Loan or with a Reserve List may not be renewed.

Reserved Materials:

Library patrons may reserve materials currently in circulation. The patron will be notified when the materials become available. Books and other materials must be picked up within two days of notification.

Return of Materials:

The patron has the responsibility of returning materials on or before the date due. If items are overdue, the patron may be refused the right to check out additional materials until the missing materials are returned or replacement costs are paid. Materials are the responsibility of the owner of the card used to check them out.

Fines are $3.00 for adult materials and $1.00 for children’s materials after the grace period of 14 days. Fines for videos and computer software are $2.00 per day. Fines on interlibrary loans will be based on charges made by the loaning library. An accumulated $5.00 fine will suspend borrowing privileges. Library cards must be free of any fines before Internet access will be allowed.

Materials lost or damaged beyond repair 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. Feel free to ask the staff for any assistance you may need.

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: Use the library’s word processing workstations for your homework or document needs. Use our Internet to check your e:mail or just “surf the web.” You can have one hour of free use each day. There is a small charge for printing or computer disks (in case you want to save your work).

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 tax forms free of charge while supplies last. Other tax forms may be photocopied at a small charge.

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. Morning and after-school sessions are offered. Schedules vary throughout the year, so check for current offerings.

Twilight Tales: From September through May, story times are offered each Thursday evening at 7:00. All ages of children are welcomed, but children under the age of three must have an adult accompanying them.

Toddler Story Time: Four-week sessions are offered for toddlers and an accompanying adult throughout the year. Check with the library for the next scheduled session.

Baby Book Club: Four-week sessions are offered for babies 6 to 18 months and an adult at various times during the year. Ask for information on the next session.

Summer Reading Program: Beginning June 1, children are asked to keep track of the books they read from the library and earn lots of great prizes just for reading. Special programs are also offered throughout the summer. A calendar of summer events is available at the library beginning in mid-May.

Craft Programs: Special craft programs are offered throughout the year, so check our calendar for details.

Staff and Library Board of Trustees:

Staff:

Susan Willis, Director
Cindy Dent, Adult Services
Kathy Blair, Children's Services
Arlene Hasty, Children's Services
Connie Woodard, Young Adult Librarian
Dorothy Hush
Diane Barton
Kandi Wilson
Neva Bockover
Josh Klugh
Jori Krenzel

Library Board of Trustees:

Rick Qualls, Chairman
Jim Whaley, Vice Chairman
June Cathers, Treasurer
Janea Lawrence, Secretary
John Watson, Building Chair
Carrie LaRue
Gail Klaassen

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.

 

 

City offices: Memorial Building, 101 South Lincoln, PO Box 907, Chanute, Kansas 66720
Telephone 620/431-5200           Fax 620/431-5209
city@chanute.org