Newton Public Library

History Newton Public Library came into being in 1886, when Newton residents approved a tax levy to support the operations of the Newton Free Library. Prior to this, semi-private and membership libraries existed in various forms in Newton. At the time, Newton had a population of about 5,000 people and was growing. The library moved to various locations in downtown Newton, but about 1900, board members learned that Andrew Carnegie was providing funds for communities to build libraries and wrote a letter asking for funds. The library received $1,000 on the stipulation that the city would provide funds of at least $1,000 per year for maintenance of the library. The Carnegie Library on Main Street was dedicated in 1904, and still stands today and houses the Harvey County Historical Museum. The library continued to expand through the years, adding a piano, storytimes, genealogy materials, books, and more. Problems such as a leaky roof and lack of space led the library board to look for options for a new library building. While this effort began in the late 1950s, it wasn't until the late 1960s that the effort gained momentum. A plan to put the library in Military Park was approved by the library board and the City Commission, but many residents protested the proposed site. A district court ruling said that voters had to give approval in an election to the plan. In April 1971, the vote was held, with voters approving the Military Park site by a vote of 1,932 to 1,781. The new library was dedicated on April 2, 1973. Also in 1973, the board changed the name from Newton Free Library to Newton Public Library. Throughout the following decades, the library continued to expand resources and services to the community. In the 1970s, the library began taking books and magazines to retirement homes and homebound citizens, a program which continues today. In 1977, a TV studio was installed in the library, funded primarily by Cablevision, and at its peak provided 10 hours of programming a week on local stations. The Florence Bessmer Children's Wing opened in 1981, drastically expanding services to children and youth. The Florence Bessmer Foundation continues to provide substantial financial support of library youth endeavors to this day. The 1980s also saw the rise of computers in the library. Library catalogs and patron accounts became computerized in the early '80s, including telephone lines that connected three library terminals within the building. The library received a grant in 1984 to purchase four home computers that patrons could check out; it is believed that Newton was the first library in the state to check out computers for home use. The 1990s saw a major renovation of the downstairs, moving the children's area to the basement and refurnishing the Bessmer Room as a public meeting space. However, in the early 2000s, the library began to see the same issues that had arisen in the Carnegie Library – leaky spaces, lack of accessibility, and the need for more room for ever-evolving library services. New Library Project Years of community and library effort culminated in a plan in 2020 to build a new Newton Public Library, immediately adjacent to the existing building, which opened in 1973. The decision to build a new library was made after a careful analysis of the existing building, and a cost comparison of renovation versus new construction. A project agreement was signed in 2020, with both the City of Newton and the Library committing funds to the project. Fundraising commenced for the privately-funded portion of the project. Hundreds of individuals, foundations, businesses, and organizations gave to the new library project, totaling $3.3 million in donations. A groundbreaking was held in January 2023, and construction was substantially completed in March 2024. The new library opened its doors on April 1, and we have seen substantial increases in usage in the months since then. Overview of the Library The Library strives to provide high-quality services for people of all ages. Below is an outline of many of the resources and services we provide. Physical collections: The library houses books for all ages, as well as DVDs, audiobooks, board games, learning kits, microfilm and historical records, newspapers, magazines and a growing Library of Things, with yard games, Experience passes, and other unique items. We circulate approximately 13,000-14,000 items a month since moving into our new library. Digital collections: Library cardholders have access to tens of thousands of e-books and e-audiobooks through Libby/Overdrive. We circulate about 3500-3900 items per month in this collection. Technology Access: The library provides public computers and free wi-fi for the general public, with about 1,000 logins to public computers each month. We also circulate mobile hotspots that patrons can take home and use for internet access. We also have knowledgeable staff who assist patrons with functions such as navigating job-search sites, uploading resumes, and accessing e-government resources. Children: We host six weekly story times for children ages birth to 5 in sessions throughout the year, and other children's activities, as well as Summer Reading Program to encourage children and teens to read during the summer, decreasing "summer slide." We have a play area for preschool age and below, and four computers with educational games designed for toddlers through elementary. Tweens/Teens: The Library hosts programs such as book discussions, GameZone, and summer STEM workshops. Our teen area in the new library has dedicated computers, a Switch game console, and space for collaboration and just hanging out. Adults: We have several monthly book discussions, as well as educational and cultural programs, such as a monthly photography club, programs on local history, and author talks. ENLITE Program: Delivers materials to homebound older citizens and residents of local care facilities, delivering to approximately 75-100 individuals per month. Meeting/Study Rooms: Our meeting room is used not only for library programs, but also is used by local non-profit and civic groups free of charge. We have 6 study rooms of various sizes that can be used by individuals or small groups for work, study, and collaboration.

The mission of Newton Public Library is to provide modern library resources and services necessary to meet the evolving educational, recreational, and informational needs of the community. Founded in 1886, the library provides many resources, programs, and services for all ages, including early-literacy initiatives, lifelong learning programs, digital collections, internet and technology access, and information resources for education and entertainment. The library also partners with organizations in the community for outreach, providing meeting space, support, and opportunities for community connection.