1920
1920
Population of Kirkwood, MO: 4,422.
Kirkwood Public Library Centennial 1926 – 2026
Celebrating 100 Years!
For 100 years, Kirkwood Public Library has belonged to the community. As the first tax-supported public library in St. Louis County, this milestone represents a century of shared investment, vision, and service.
At heart, we love a good storyโand our story is still being written. Explore the timeline below to discover the people, moments, and events that shaped our past. Then visit us to experience all that the library offers today.
As we look ahead to the next 100 years, we invite you to stay tuned, share your ideas, and help guide us as we move to the next chapter.
Library Timeline
Over the course of 100 years, the Kirkwood Public Library has had a rich history. From its roots as a privately funding institution, the library’s birth as the first tax-supported library in St. Louis County began in 1926. Since then, the library had three separate homes, underwent three major expansions and additions, and countless minor renovations. Today, we house way more than just books, and offer services well beyond the imagination of those who first organized our library. Our history shows a trend of near constant growth as the demand for library service among our patrons.
In honor of our 100th Anniversary, we have put together these timelines of the library’s history. Each timeline depicts a different “era” of Kirkwood Public Library. We will continue to add to these as we uncover more about our story. We hope you enjoy getting to know our roots!
Era Selection
A Library is Born: 1924-1939
1924
The Kirkwood Library opened on May 10, 1924, with patrons checking out 38 books that first day. This first library was considered private in that it was not supported by tax dollars. The original collection was located on the top floor of City Hall. Downstairs were City Hall offices and…
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1939
1939
The library continued to grow and by 1937, the need for a new building was apparent. An initial 1938 bond issue failed to pass. The reasoning was that Library officials has chosen an unpopular location, the current site of St. Peter Catholic School on Clay Ave. However, a 1939 bond…
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1940
On March 10, 1940, the library’s cornerstone was laid down, which can still be found on the northeast corner of the library. The ceremony was presided over by Mrs. Walker. The ceremony included music by the High School Band, a speech, history of the library, a prayer and benediction. Included…
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Era Selection
A Permanent Home: 1940-1954
1940
1940
By late 1940, construction of the library’s dedicated building was completed at the corner of Jefferson and Taylor. The new library building cost approximately $41,500 to build (including the purchase price for the lot). A working fireplace became the centerpiece on the west end and windows seating on the east…
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1943
1943
In 1943 Head Librarian, Eugenia Becker was elected President of the Missouri Library Association.
1947
1947
In 1947, Head Librarian Eugenia Becker resigns after 20 years without a pay raise to join the newly formed St. Louis County Library. Unfortunately, the Library Board discovered that upon Mrs. Becker’s resignation, she has destroyed 20 years of library records and correspondence.
1950
In 1950, an article was published in an unknown source emphasizing the importance of the Kirkwood Public Library. In 1949-1950 Library Board minutes allude to financial problem. Longtime board members are replaced within one yearโs time with new members. The Board calls for a treasurer with financial background. Librarianโs report…
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1953
Era Selection
First Renovation: 1955-1963
1955
1955
The library’s first expansion, as a result of the passage of a 1954 bond issue, opened in mid 1955. As a result of the remodeling, the iconic fireplace and mantle are removed.
1960
Photograph of story hour led by Lynn Elbert in library auditorium. Caption: “Library assistant Lynn Elbert presents a program for children in the large auditorium of the library in the 1960s. Prior to the establishment of the Kirkwood Public Library in 1924, residents took the train to the Mercantile Library…
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1961
1961
In 1961, the library set forth another bond issue to add a new wing onto the south side of the building where a library parking lot was located. According to the proposition, the library was not asking for a tax increase. This proposition came only 6 years after the last…
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Era Selection
Second Renovation: 1964-2009
1964
1964
The library’s second expansion, as a result of the passage of the 1962 bond issue, occurred in 1964. This created an addition on the south side of the building further adding to the space and allowing the library to greatly expand its collection. The addition cost $115,000. The library remained…
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1965
In 1965, a circulating art collection is established. The collection consisted of approximately 20 pictures. The rental fee was $0.50 monthly, with $0.25 daily fine for overdue prints. Borrowers were allowed to keep the prints for a month, and could renew provided there was no waiting list. Patrons were required…
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1971
In 1971, the Bronze Buffalo Massive statue (by H.M. Shrady) was donated to the library by Mrs. John F. Bopp from the Lemp Estate. It lived in the Library until 2016.
1978
1978
In 1976, the Library Board passes motion to authorize the formation of โFriends of the Libraryโ under the leadership of Mr. Don Schuchard. The organization would be a separate entity from the library with 501c3 statues. The Friends of the Kirkwood Public Library was officially founded in 1978 as a…
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1994
1994
In 1994, Audrey Baum resigns after 17 years as Library Director. It was during her tenure that the title of Head Librarian was renamed Library Director.
1994
1996
1996
In 1996 the Friends of the Kirkwood Public Library started what is now the Books & Beyond shop. Staffed and curated completely by volunteers, this unique library feature, originally dubbed the “Greentree Shop, has had a presence in the library ever since.
1996
On May 31, 1996, eight municipal libraries in St. Louis County formed the Municipal Library Consortium (MLC). This provided a shared catalog and resources between libraries. The MLC now encompasses nine library from the municipalities of Brentwood, Ferguson, Kirkwood, Maplewood, Richmond Height, Rock Hill, University City, Valley Park and Webster…
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1997
1997
In 1997, the library unveiled it’s first logo. The log featured the letter “K” as an open book. Prior to this, there is no record of Kirkwood Public Library having a logo.
2007
By 2007, the library building was in a state of disrepair due to age. The last major renovation had been nearly 40 years prior. These photographs depict the state of the building at that time.
2007
In 2007, the library set forth another bond issue (Proposition L) to renovate and add another addition to the building. Voters approved a $0.12 property tax increase, and the library was able to use $0.08 of the tax to finance the $6.5 million in bonds for renovations. The other $0.04…
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2009
2009
In 2009, the library unveiled a redesigned logo. This logo incorporated the library’s most recognizable feature – it’s cupola. The logo was formatted in both a vertical and horizontal format, the horizontal becoming the primary use for library marketing. This logo, and variations of it, were used until the logo…
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2009
In June 2009, demolition begins on the library. This marks the beginning of the third major exansion to the building, the last having been completed in 1964. The renovation would last 15 months.
2009
During the third expansion, the library moved to Station Plaza at 200 S. Kirkwood Rd. The library would be located here for 15 months.
2009
Era Selection
Third Renovation: 2010-Present
2010
2010
In 2010, the library held its first Library Card Design Contest. Of the submitted designs, these six were selected to be printed on our library cards.
2010
2010
On July 17, 2010, the library had its soft opening. This would be the first time the newly renovated building would be open to the public. This video tour, hosted by then Board President Randy Miltenberger, showcases the new building and its features.
2010
On August 14, 2010, the Kirkwood Public Library hosted the Grand Opening of the new building. While many area’s within the building have been rearranged since then, the main structure has remained unchanged since then.
2012
2012
In 2012, the library held its second Library Card Design Contest. Of the submitted designs, these six were selected to be printed on our library cards.
2013
2013
In 2013, the library first starting offering large format printing as a service.
2015
Kirkwood Public Library gets its own song. Written by Pete Broeder and performed by the River Bound Band, this song was performed live for the Kick-Off event of Summer Reading on May 16th, 2015.
2015
In 2015, the library first starting offering 3D printing as a service. Since then, we have went through 3 different printers, printed over 2,000 objects in over 7,500 hours. In 2026, the library is replacing it’s printers with two new models.
2015
2016
In 2016, a new version the library’s logo was designed in honor of it’s 90th anniversary.
2016
In 2016, in conjunction with KPL’s 90th anniversary, the library held its third Library Card Design Contest. Of the submitted designs, these three (one from each age group – adult, teen and child) were selected to be printed on our library cards.
2016
In 2016, KPL received a $733,000 donation from the Earl E. and Myrtle E. Walker Foundation, and the Edward Chase Garvey Foundation, and an anonymous donor to transform the Childrenโs Room into an interactive center focused on the whole child. These images depict the room prior to the renovation.
2017
2017
On January 7, 2017 a groundbreaking ceremony was held as the renovation began.
2017
In 2017, the library first starting offering VHS conversion as a service. Dubbed VHSaaS, the library has converted over 13,000 VHS, VHS-C, MiniDV and 8mm cassette tapes; as well as 8mm/Super8 reels and audio cassettes. The service became so popular that in mid 2023 it became reserved for Kirkwood and…
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2017
In April 2017, the library hosted a grand opening celebration for the newly remodeled Childrenโs Room.
2018
In December of 2018, the library launched a podcast. Originally started by staff members, the podcast has aired over 300 episodes. With new episodes weekly, the KPL Podcast delves into in depth conversations with bestselling authors, provides book and film recommendations. Find all episodes of the KPL Podcast on our…
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2019
Between October and November 2019, the library’s cupola was restored. It was removed, sent away for restoration and reinstalled once complete. The cupola had been in place for 79 years. A time capsule was assembled in order to demonstrate a little bit of what the Library was like in the…
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2020
2020
2021
2021
In 2021, in conjunction with KPL’s 95th anniversary, the library held its fourth Library Card Design Contest. Of the submitted designs, these three (one from each age group – adult, teen and child) were selected to be printed on our library cards.
2021
In 2021, a new version the library’s logo was designed in honor of it’s 95th anniversary.
2025
2025
In December 2025, the library unveiled it’s new logo in honor of it’s 100th anniversary in 2026.
Centennial Celebration Library Card Design Contest
In honor of Kirkwood Public Libraryโs 100th anniversary, weโre asking you to create art for a special-edition Centennial Celebration library card!
Winning designs will be chosen for each age group: children, teen and adult.
Past Contest Winning Designs
2010
2010
In 2010, the library held its first Library Card Design Contest. Of the submitted designs, these six were selected to be printed on our library cards.
2012
2012
In 2012, the library held its second Library Card Design Contest. Of the submitted designs, these six were selected to be printed on our library cards.
2016
2016
In 2016, in conjunction with KPL’s 90th anniversary, the library held its third Library Card Design Contest. Of the submitted designs, these three (one from each age group – adult, teen and child) were selected to be printed on our library cards.
2021
2021
In 2021, in conjunction with KPL’s 95th anniversary, the library held its fourth Library Card Design Contest. Of the submitted designs, these three (one from each age group – adult, teen and child) were selected to be printed on our library cards.
Library Songs
The Kirkwood Library Song
Written by Pete Broeder and performed by the River Bound Band.
Library Time
Author Elliot Kalan was on the KPL Podcast on January 8 2021 (Episode 59) to talk about his children’s book Sharko and Hippo. On his own podcast, The Flop House, he’s known for making up songs on the fly. So we asked him to create a song for the library. Here is what he created.
