Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library

Welcome to the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

Events of the 1940’s

1942 - Because of lack of funds, and the inability of the board of education to help with expenses, the branch libraries are forced to close. Topeka once again was limited to the central building on the state house grounds. Mrs. Fred Martin was appointed to the library board, the first woman to serve in 56 years.

First Bookmobile
First Library Bookmobile
hits the street in 1943

1943 - The library hits the road. A Chevrolet coupe and converted house trailer became the first traveling branch. The inside walls of the trailer were lined with shelves that could hold 1,200 books; at the front was an L-shaped desk for the librarian and cupboards for supplies. The trailer was heated with a kerosene stove and there were colorful curtains at the windows. The library on wheels made ten stops each week. It was an unqualified success.

1946 - Innovative librarian, Anna Muller announces new list of can do’s at the library. Want to bring Fido along? That’s just fine, as long as he is well behaved. “…if he gets to cutting up, out he goes.” Want to bring your typewriter? Come ahead, there’s a special room in the reference area which makes an ideal spot for writing. Renew books by phone? You bet you can, call and it will be done. “And, last but not least, …you can leave your children at the Mulvane children’s branch…while mama goes downtown on a shopping spree.” Modern changes for the modern age!

1947 - A Bond issue for $650,000 is brought before the voters in April for the construction of a new building; an overwhelming majority approved the issue. Planning for a site and new construction began. After many suggestions it was decided that the new library building would be placed on the grounds of the Westlawn Park, located at 10th and Washburn. There were some who were unhappy about this location. They felt it was just to far away from downtown, and people would not want to go “ way out there” to visit the library!

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