About

Wetmore Library

The beginnings of the Wetmore Library date back to the early 1900s, when Charles A. Caldwell rented books from a shelf in his shop for ten cents. Later, the Wetmore Study Club took up the cause, sponsoring a small library housed in a lumber yard. This effort ended during World War II, with the collection transferred to the public school.

In 1961, the Study Club re-established a summer library in the Legion Hall using books from the State Extension Service. Volunteers staffed the library, which for one summer operated out of Dr. Lapham’s building.

A turning point came in 1966, when Mrs. J.C. Quay of Texas donated $50 in honor of her mother and aunts. The Club used the gift to start a year-round library with help from local organizations. With the support of Mayor Robert Carson and the city council, a room in City Hall was provided. Initial furnishings were built by Don Cordon and Robert Cress, and the first books purchased were the Little House series.

In 1967, the first official Library Board was formed:

  • Chairman: Mrs. Donald Cordon
  • Vice-Chairman: Mrs. Edgar Campbell
  • Secretary: Mrs. Glynn McCall
  • Treasurer: Mrs. Anthony Ketter
  • Additional members: Mrs. Robert Cress, Mrs. J.S. Brock, Mrs. Ivan Bryant

Key developments:

  • 1971: Lion’s Club moved the library to Dr. Lapham’s building. A special election established it as a city library.
  • 1972: Library joined the Northeast Kansas Library System (NEKLS).
  • 1973: Moved to the east room of the First National Bank.
  • 1975: A Building Fund was created.
  • 1979: With the bank’s move, more space became available for the library.

The Wetmore Experiment – 1980

A NEKLS-led project, “The Wetmore Experiment,” proposed a new library design. Local Lions Club members remodeled the space by removing partitions and connecting rooms. Volunteers included Robert Carson, Don Cordon, Larry Fund, C.M. Mapes, and Hubert Suther.

New equipment donated or added:

  • Display tables, book drop trucks, a card catalog, steel shelving, and a typewriter (gift from Mrs. R.L. Hart)

Community Support

  • Spaghetti suppers (1980 & 1981) by the Wetmore Study Club
  • A cakewalk fundraiser at the Wetmore Fall Festival

The library has welcomed visitors from across the U.S., including California, Texas, New Jersey, and more.

Source: By Irma V. Cordon, from “Some History of Wetmore”