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 in the cornerstone was a box with the following contents:

Envelope 1 – List of names of the Mayor and Board of Alderman in 1924 (when Library was started), List of names of Mayor and Board of Alderman in 1927 (when Library became tax-supported); List of names of Mayor and Councilmen in 1939, when new building was started; names of Library Advisory Board in 1924; names of appointed Library Board 1927, Library Board 1940, Picture of Mrs. Walker breaking ground for erection of new building.

Envelope 2 – Copy of circular calling for donations of books, 3/8/24; Copy of Magazine Section of Globe-Democrat, 8/27/28; containing article about Kirkwood Library; Copy of Kirkwood Messenger 1929 containing article about Kirkwood Library;

Misc. Items – Local Telephone directory; Three local newspapers from week of March 10, 1940; State of Missouri mill-tax token – 1mill and 5 mills; Kirkwood Leader, a boys’ mimeographed paper.