TIMELINE

The Wichita Carnegie Library opened to the public on May 14, 1915 and celebrated its dedication on September 29, 1915. Due to the selfless efforts of two dynamic individuals: Andrew Carnegie, one of America’s foremost philanthropists, and Louise C. Murdock, a woman of insurmountable determination who has left a lasting impression in Wichita. To the citizens, the Wichita Carnegie Library was a cathedral of learning, fine art and cultural ideals symbolizing the convergence of education, business and art.

The library grows in its use and importance to the citizens of Wichita. In 1937, the library held over 116,000 books and circulation exceeded a million books annually. With a staff of 43, the Wichita Carnegie Library was already bursting at the seams. In 1957, the Wichita Carnegie Library could no longer hold the volumes nor sustain the need. A new building was proposed for completion in 1967, directly across the street.

The Library Moves Across the Street With the help of over 600 Wichita students, the library collection was moved from the Wichita Carnegie Library to the new Wichita Public Library directly across the street.

Omnisphere & Science Center It was in 1967 when the City of Wichita moved its public library location from the Wichita Carnegie Library to its current location across the street. This left the Wichita Carnegie Library building in a period of transition. Its use during these years varied from court proceedings to scientific education and finally storage.

Listing on the National Register of Historic Places Far more than a structure to house books, the Wichita’s Carnegie Library gave visitors the feeling that they were entering a cathedral to learning, fine art and cultural ideals. The importance of this building was made evident by its lavish Beaux Arts styling and opulent aesthetics and is acknowledged with the listing in the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

With the opening of Exploration place the Omnisphere & Science Center in the Wichita Carnegie Library building is closed and becomes city storage for six more years.

In 2006, a locally-owned fourth generation family business, Fidelity Bank, purchased the Wichita Carnegie Library and began renovations with a new vision for the building. Fidelity’s primary design goals were to preserve the remaining historical character, renovate where possible to create executive quality office space and to establish a convenient yet appropriate link between the newly acquired Carnegie building and the Bank’s adjacent corporate office tower.

A Vision Restored. A Landmark Preserved Adapting the Carnegie Library to new use has made this remarkable building productive once again and has preserved one of Wichita’s most important landmarks. Fidelity Bank has accepted the responsibility of being good stewards of the Carnegie Library Building. This landmark building not only helps us better serve our business community, it also stands as a lasting tribute to Mrs. Murdock, Andrew Carnegie and all those who have contributed to the cultural advancement of Wichita.

100th Anniversary of the Wichita Carnegie Library. Celebrating Wichita’s historic symbol of the convergence of education, business and art.