1950's

1953 - December 14, 1953, the new library building is opened. The rally call goes out to save the old building on Capitol Square; a committee is formed and a petition drive is started. Over 30,000 signatures are received in the effort, but time would not save the building. After several years the state legislature passed a bill to raze the old structure. In 1961 it was torn down and the site cleared and leveled.

1954 - Would you like to receive a book by mail? For a small fee of 25 cents this can be done. Come in fill out a card and when the reserved book is available it will be sent to you. Or make your request, pay 5 cents and a postcard will be sent to you telling you the book is waiting for you at the circulation desk. Just one of the special services offered by the Public Library.

1956 - Library begins Sunday hours on a trial basis. The schedule will include several educational and cultural programs. Full library facilities will be available from 2 to 6 p.m.

Several pin oak trees between 40 and 50 feet tall are transplanted from Gage Park to the front and west sides of the new library building. They replace existing trees that died during the construction process.

1960's

1962 - Unruly youths at the library; the board votes to have a night patrol. “Library hooligans will be controlled by a plainclothes policeman working five nights a week…” Those who cause disturbances will be ejected. A new policy is in place, stating that students must be using library books to remain in the building.

East Topeka branch library opens at 6th and Teff Dec. 17th. “…library board considers this the first real working branch library in the city and will view it as a pilot…for possible additional branch libraries…”

1964 - The “Tenth Year Report” of the library indicates that, since moving to the new location at 10th and Washburn, the population using the library has increased from 42 percent to 53 percent. In 1954 users averaged reading eight and a half books each. In 1963 the average was nearly 10 books each.

Library installs a new coin-operated copy machine. Cost for copies is 25 cents per sheet.

Library makes available a movie-rating sheet, a new service to aid parents in deciding whether certain movies are suitable for children. “The Green Sheet” is provided through the cooperation of the Motion Picture Association of America.

1968 - Planning for expansion of the library building is undertaken. “…members of the Shawnee County legislative delegation were invited to a dinner in the library basement, to view the congestion, the thousands of currently useful books exiled to the now crowded storage stacks…”

Senator Pomeroy introduces legislation in the 1969-70 session to allow, with the consent of the electorate, a pay-as-you-go building expansion program.