Schaefer History Excerpt: Wichita Historic Public Library

Wichita’s original public library began as one of almost 1,800 Carnegie libraries constructed across the country. Opening in 1915, it ushered in a cultural renewal in our city. However, by the 1950’s, the community was in need of a larger, modernized facility. In May of 1960, the City of Wichita held a bond election and approved a budget of $2.4 million for the creation of a new Public Library. As an additional part of the election, Wichita voters agreed to fund a new Civic Center with an additional $16.6 million. On January 30, 1962, Schaefer Schirmer Eflin (SSE) was selected to design the new building. 

As design work began in 1963, SSE was celebrating its 6th anniversary, and consisted of three partners and a staff of nine working out of its newly renovated 3210 E. Douglas office. Head librarian Ford Rockwell joined Bob Schaefer and Bob Eflin to travel to St. Louis, Dallas, Cincinnati, Oklahoma City, and New Orleans to study examples of well-designed libraries. By August of that year, SSE had presented early plans and renderings. 

On April 21, 1965, bids were unsealed for the construction of the library. Henry Schirmer commented to the newspaper, “The bids are excellent, both for the library and the city of Wichita.” On May 4, contracts were signed. Three weeks later, Martin K. Eby Construction Company was on site and construction began. Interior design was not included in the initial design package, so a new phase of the design process was necessary. As part of the interior design research, SSE traveled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to view a newly opened downtown public library.

On March 13, 1967, the Wichita Public Library opened its doors, boasting a multitude of book volumes, a collection of 6,000 music records, an art collection available for loan, a book lift, pneumatic tubes for inter-floor communication, automatically controlled lighting and HVAC systems, and accessible restrooms. Rockwell called it “the living room of the community.” He boasted, “We think it’s as good as any in the Midwest and I’d match it with any in the country.” Schirmer commented that he was “pleased with the integrated design of the building,” and with SSE having a single vision for the architecture and the interiors. A dedication ceremony was held on April 6, 1967, to celebrate the newly constructed building.

Later that year, famed architectural photographer Julius Shulman traveled to Wichita to document the building. SSE and the new library hosted a presentation by Shulman called A Look at Ourselves, a representation of his philosophy that photographing architecture is not just about buildings, but about documenting how humanity fits into the built environment.

In 1968, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) presented the Wichita Public Library with the National AIA Award of Merit for Excellence in library design. Schaefer told the Wichita Eagle, “Good architecture comes about through a pleasant working association with the building owner. The library reflects our pleasant association with the library board and the City of Wichita throughout the project.” Schaef continued, saying, “I also believe this is one of the first public buildings in Kansas to receive a National Design Award.”

Now, as the building enters a new phase of life, our firm and its legacy come full circle. Schaefer Architecture has the unique opportunity to build upon our predecessor’s original work, transforming it into a civic center and event space while thoughtfully reimagining the structure SSE first brought to life decades ago. While its function will evolve, the building’s original spirit of bringing people together remains unchanged, ensuring it continues to serve as a meaningful gathering place for the Wichita community for generations to come.

We are making history every day — make it excellent!