Parsons Public Library

The library's collection includes books, large print books, videos on DVD and VHS, audiobooks on cassette and CD, and music CDs. The library collection includes material for all ages. Also, a Local History/Genealogy Room with a Microfilm Reader is available.

Library programs are offered for various age groups throughout the year. Programs include Children's Story Time, Teen Anime Club, Book Discussions, Summer Reading Clubs, Adult Bingo, and Movie Nights. The Library's complete Service Policy, including information on check-out limits and obtaining library cards, as well as the Library's Internet Policy, may be viewed at the Service Desk.

The Library provides the following services:

• Lending of library materials
• Renewals
• Placing reserves on materials
• Interlibrary loans
• Daily newspapers
• Magazines
• Internet access
• Wireless access
• Meeting rooms
• Exhibits and displays
• Paperback exchange
• Ongoing used book sale

Timeline and Trivia of Parsons Public Library

• 1871 - A literary and library association was organized with an initial donation of 22 books, but the organization lasted little more than a year.
• 1877 - A second library association, the Parsons Memorial and Historical Library, was formed under the leadership of Mrs. Augustus Wilson and funded under the Women's Christian Temperance Union. In efforts to raise money for the erection of a library, Mrs. Wilson traveled extensively throughout the country and visited corporations and merchants, including Jay Gould, whose Katy Railroad played an important role in the development of Parsons. She solicited not only pledges of money, but also books, works of art, and statuary from various donors.
• 1883 - A three-story building, located on the southeast corner of Forest and Nineteenth, was finished to house the library, and opening ceremonies included an address by Kansas Governor Glick. Unfortunately, financial support did not materialize as expected. The mortgage was foreclosed, and the property, books, and artwork were sold.
• 1904 - A third library association was formed for the purpose of starting a private subscription library. The following year, the library was opened, and patrons were charged one dollar a year for the privilege of using the library. The rest of the funding depended on donations. The library was open in the afternoon from two to five and was staffed by volunteers. At first, the library was housed in free quarters in a building that stood on the site of the Municipal Building, but was moved to rental rooms in the White building on Main Street, and finally to rooms over the Foley Printing Office on Central Avenue.
• 1907 - The voters of Parsons approved the question of establishing a free city library. Andrew Carnegie was contacted, and agreed to give $22,500 for the construction of a new building if the city provided the site and pledged annual support. A site at the corner of Broadway and Seventeenth Streets was purchased for $6,500, the funds being raised by subscriptions. The following year, E.F. Parker, a Kansas City architect, was hired, and the city council approved a resolution to levy the first library tax in Parsons. The contents of the existing private library were presented to the city. William Kee of Parsons was hired as general contractor.

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