Kenosha Public Library
{{Short description|Library in Kenosha, Wisconsin, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox library
| name = Kenosha Public Library
| logo =
| logo_size =
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| image = File:Gilbert_Simmons_Library_Kenosha_2015.jpg
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| caption = Gilbert M. Simmons Library, a branch library and formerly the main library of the KPL
| type = Public library
| scope =
| established = {{Start date and age|1896|3|14}} (as privately run Kenosha Public Library){{cite report|author1=Barnes, Clara P.|date=31 May 1909 |title=Ninth Annual Report of Gilbert M. Simmons Library For the Year Ending May 31, 1909 |url=https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112073634575?urlappend=%3Bseq=62%3Bownerid=13510798903329364-76 |publisher=Gilbert M. Simmons Library |page= |access-date=27 April 2025}}
{{Start date and age|1900|3|19}} (as Gilbert M. Simmons Library)
| location =
| service_area = Kenosha, Wisconsin
| coordinates = {{coord|42|33|34.3|N|87|51|11.6|W|type:landmark_region:US-WI|display=title,inline}}
| num_branches = 5
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| director = Sarah Townsend
| parent_organization = Kenosha County Library System (KCLS)
| affiliation = SHARE Consortium
| publictransit = Kenosha Area Transit
| website ={{URL|https://mykpl.info/}}
}}
The Kenosha Public Library (KPL) is the public library serving the city of Kenosha, United States. It is the resource library for the Kenosha County Library System (KCLS), of which it is a member.{{Cite web |url=https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/pld/pdf/kcls_2019_plan.pdf|title=2019 Kenosha County Library System Plan|publisher=Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction|access-date=1 January 2025}}
Governance
The KPL is governed by a board of trustees appointed by the mayor of Kenosha and approved by the city council. The board is composed of nine citizen members: eight City of Kenosha residents and one representative of the Kenosha Unified School District.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mykpl.info/about/board-trustees|title=Board of Trustees|work=mykpl.info|access-date=2024-12-25}} KPL is a member of the SHARE Consortium.{{Cite news|url=https://www2.lakeshores.lib.wi.us/about-share|title=SHARE Consortium|work=lakeshores.lib.wi.us|access-date=2024-12-26}}
Organization and services
The library has an outreach department and five branches:{{Cite web |url=https://mykpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/locations|title=Kenosha Public Library: Locations|access-date=25 December 2024}}
The library offers audiobook, e-book, and eMagazine services, including OverDrive eBooks & eAudiobooks, TeachingBooks Library, Ebsco eBooks, and online tutoring, via the library's website.{{cite web|url=https://www.mykpl.info/digital|title=Digital Resources|access-date=2024-12-26}}
History
=Early efforts=
In November 1841, less than a year after the village of Southport (Kenosha from 1850) was incorporated, an editor of the village newspaper, the South Port American, proposed establishing a free public library "open to all".{{cite news |title=Public Libraries |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-port-american-public-libraries/161615676/ |accessdate=27 December 2024 |work=South Port American |date=4 November 1841|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} Private circulating libraries were established by June 1842.{{cite news |title=Circulating Library |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-telegraph-courier-circulating-librar/161676779/ |accessdate=27 December 2024 |work=South Port American |date=28 June 1842|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} On November 25, 1843, a group of prominent residents attempted to establish a public library, forming the Southport Library Association. The association's members included William Bullen, a founder of Southport, and Frederick Winslow Hatch, the Episcopal rector of St. Matthew's Church and former Chaplain of the United States Senate.{{cite news |title=Library Meeting |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-telegraph-courier-library-meeting/161676848/ |accessdate=27 December 2024 |work=The Telegraph-Courier |date=5 December 1843|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} The association, chaired by Hatch, elected directors and adopted bylaws, but made no further progress.
In February 1871, Zalmon G. Simmons, a local businessman and future Kenosha mayor, purchased several hundred books and established a free library for Kenosha County residents; as Simmons was a member of the local Unitarian church, he established the library there.{{cite news |title=A Free Library |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-telegraph-courier-a-free-library/161731657/ |accessdate=28 December 2024 |work=The Telegraph-Courier |date=23 February 1871|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} Books could be checked out one at a time for two weeks, with a single renewal allowed. In June 1873, Simmons proposed a library building be erected "to surpass any other in the state" in what would become Library Park.{{cite news |title=Child Library Is New Unit In City Progress |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-child-library-is-new-unit-i/162025474/ |accessdate=1 January 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=11 April 1929|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} On May 22, 1883, a special election resulted in a vote for Kenosha to accept an approximately $3,500 bequest from the estate of a Caroline Field, intended to establish the "Cahoon Public Library." Subsequent legal difficulties delayed the city in moving forward; a court ruling in March 1890 gave the city permission to accept the bequest, which it did not.{{cite news |title=Cahoon Library |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-telegraph-courier-cahoon-library-cas/161678688/ |accessdate=1 January 2025 |work=Telegraph-Courier |date=26 December 1889|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}{{cite news|title=Field will case|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-telegraph-courier/161678607/|accessdate=1 January 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=3 April 1890|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}
=First Kenosha Public Library=
Upon arriving in Kenosha in 1894, George W. Johnston, the recently appointed editor of the Kenosha Evening News, soon recognized local demand for a public library, and promoted the cause through the newspaper.{{cite news |title=A Library History |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-telegraph-courier-a-library-history/161680734/ |accessdate=1 January 2025 |work=Telegraph-Courier |date=19 March 1896|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} He also canvassed local community leaders. With their support assured, on the evening of November 14, 1895, 40 prominent local residents assembled to begin the process of establishing a public library board.{{cite news |title=A Library In Sight |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-telegraph-courier-a-library-in-sight/161618514/ |accessdate=1 January 2025 |work=Telegraph-Courier |date=19 March 1896|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}{{cite report|author1=Strong, William W. |author2=Barnes, Clara P.|date=31 May 1901 |title=First Annual Report of Gilbert M. Simmons Library For the Year Ending May 31, 1901 |url=https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112001270682 |publisher=Gilbert M. Simmons Library |page= |access-date=1 January 2025}} At the meeting, a five-member organizing committee was nominated and elected, comprising Johnston and businessmen Colonel William W. Strong, James Cavanagh, George A. Yule, and John O'Donnell. On December 20, the committee formally incorporated the Kenosha Public Library, with a constitution and bylaws providing for election of officers, a board of directors, and a provision that any county resident "of good repute," be eligible to join the library association upon agreeing to the terms of membership and payment of annual dues of $2.00; the fee was intended for purchasing books and covering other expenses.{{cite news |title=The Library Incorporated |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-the-library-incorporated/161744483/ |accessdate=1 January 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=20 December 1895|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}
On January 6, 1896, the library board was chosen, from which officers were elected on January 10.{{cite news |title=It's All Ready Now |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-telegraph-courier-its-all-ready-now/161618264/ |accessdate=2 January 2025 |work=Telegraph-Courier |date=16 January 1896|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}{{cite news |title=The Secretary's Report |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-the-secretarys-report-mad/162086122/ |accessdate=2 January 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=14 January 1897|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} On January 17, Johnston, the secretary of the library board, recommended the library be situated in a room over the Redeker and English store, in a building owned by Zalmon Simmons at 171 Main Street.{{cite news |title=Library building is 75 years old |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-library-building-is-75-year/161994345/ |accessdate=2 January 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=23 May 1975|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} The suggestion was accepted and the room leased from Simmons for $5.00 a month. On January 27, Clara Parkinson Barnes (1854–1932),{{cite news |title=Mrs. Barnes, First Library Leader, Dies |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-obituary-for-barnes-barnes/89879783/ |accessdate=2 January 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=15 March 1932|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} a sister-in-law of board member Cavanagh,{{cite news |title=Obituary for Nellie Parkinson Cavanagh (Mrs. James Cavanagh) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-obituary-for-james-cavanagh/162117588/ |accessdate=2 January 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=12 November 1931|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} was elected librarian by the board. The library was largely ready by March 2, when the Unitarian Church free library donated its collection of approximately 800 volumes, encouraged by wide community support and a donation of $1,000 to the new library by George Yule.
The first Kenosha Public Library opened on March 14, 1896, with Clara Barnes as librarian and an initial collection of approximately 1,200 volumes, 400 of which were fiction.{{cite news |title=Public library announcement |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-telegraph-courier-public-library/161613138/ |accessdate=2 January 2025 |work=Telegraph-Courier |date=12 March 1896|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} All Kenosha County residents were eligible to borrow books, but were requested to not remove them from their shelves while browsing the collection "unless absolutely necessary." At the end of the library's first year, its collection numbered over 2,500 volumes, with a circulation of 20,962.{{cite news |title=Our Public Library |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-telegraph-courier-our-public-library/161678967/ |accessdate=2 January 2025 |work=Telegraph-Courier |date=13 January 1898|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}{{cite news |title=A Remarkable Showing |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-telegraph-courier-a-remarkable-showi/162102393/ |accessdate=2 January 2025 |work=Telegraph-Courier |date=18 March 1897|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} Despite its great popularity, the Kenosha Library, though a public institution, remained exclusively supported by private funds.{{cite news |title=Our Public Library: City Council Will Be Asked To Levy A Tax For Its Benefit |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-telegraph-courier-our-public-library/162126840/ |accessdate=11 January 2025 |work=Telegraph-Courier |date=27 October 1898|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} In late 1898, with donations and association fees insufficient to sustain the library, the city council was approached to provide a one-mill tax appropriation to guarantee its existence. Instead, however, the council approved an annual $1,200 tax appropriation on December 5, 1898,{{cite news |title=A Council Meeting |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-a-council-meeting/162127228/ |accessdate=11 January 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=9 December 1898|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}{{cite news |title=Library Gets $1200 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-library-gets-1200/162127111/ |accessdate=11 January 2025 |work=Telegraph-Courier |date=6 December 1898|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} the first time city tax revenues had been utilized to support a local library.
=Gilbert M. Simmons Library=
==Early history==
On January 12, 1899, Zalmon Simmons proposed to the city council that he be allowed to present Kenosha with a public library to be erected in Central Park, provided the library was named after his deceased eldest son Gilbert M. Simmons and that the city would support it with a one-mill appropriation.{{cite news |title=Gives A Library |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-telegraph-courier-gives-a-library/161616022/ |accessdate=20 April 2025 |work=Telegraph-Courier |date=19 January 1899|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} Simmons' proposal was unanimously accepted by the council on January 23, accompanied by a unanimous vote of thanks to Simmons for his philanthropy.{{cite news |title=Accept The Gift |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-telegraph-courier-accept-the-gift/161617828/ |accessdate=20 April 2025 |work=Telegraph-Courier |date=26 January 1899|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} The plans for the library building, which was designed by noted architect Daniel Burnham, were finalized in March; Burnham declared the new library was the "most complete" building he had designed up to that date.{{cite news |title=A Classic Building: Model For The Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Received |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-telegraph-courier-a-classic-building/161613712/ |accessdate=20 April 2025 |work=Telegraph-Courier |date=9 March 1899|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} The groundbreaking took place on May 4,{{cite news |title=The Work Is Begun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-the-work-is-begun/162819302/|accessdate=20 April 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=4 May 1899|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} and construction progressed rapidly, with the structure completed on December 7.{{cite news |title=Clipping: Stonework on Library |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news/162819025/|accessdate=20 April 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=7 December 1899|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} On March 19, 1900, the city council formally established the Gilbert M. Simmons Library as a city-funded public library, appointing the library board of directors and approving the library tax appropriation from the same date.{{cite news |title=Directors Named |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-telegraph-courier-directors-named/170672099/|accessdate=20 April 2025 |work=Telegraph-Courier |date=22 March 1900|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} On May 23, the library board held their first meeting, unanimously electing Clara Barnes librarian.{{cite news |title=Their First Meeting |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-their-first-meeting/162819550/|accessdate=20 April 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=24 May 1900|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} Accordingly, the former Kenosha Public Library closed on May 26,{{cite news |title=Notice: library closing |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-notice-library-closing/170710033/|accessdate=20 April 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=26 May 1900|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} shortly before both the new Library Park and the Simmons Memorial Library were dedicated on May 30. On July 6, the library board formally took charge of the Simmons Memorial Library on behalf of the city,{{cite news |title=It Is Turned Over |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-telegraph-courier-it-is-turned-over/161616770/|accessdate=20 April 2025 |work=Telegraph-Courier |date=12 July 1900|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} with the former Kenosha Library Association being dissolved on July 17.{{cite news |title=Adjourned Sine Die |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-adjourned-sine-die-kenosha/161612893/|accessdate=20 April 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=18 July 1900|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} The Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library opened to the public on July 19 with initial holdings of 4,578 volumes.{{cite news |title=Library Is Opened |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-library-is-opened/170741699/|accessdate=20 April 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=19 July 1900|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}
The new Simmons Library circulated 36,236 volumes in its first year, and by spring 1901 had permanently moved to an open-stack system. It began circulating books among Kenosha public schools in January 1903, becoming the third Wisconsin library to adopt the practice.{{cite news |title=Adds a New Feature |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-adds-a-new-feature/170735051/|accessdate=27 April 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=28 January 1903|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} Children's library services began in September 1907 with the appointment of Cora M. Frantz (1881–1958),{{cite news |title=Cora Frantz, Ill Short Time, Dies (1) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-cora-frantz-ill-short-time/111535075/|accessdate=27 April 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=17 June 1958|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}{{cite news |title=Cora Frantz, Ill Short Time, Dies (2) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-obituary-for-cora-frantz/111535216/|accessdate=27 April 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=17 June 1958|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} previously a library assistant, as the children's librarian, together with the outfitting of a "Children's Room" in the library basement.{{cite report|author1=Barnes, Clara P.|date=16 June 1908 |title=Eighth Annual Report of Gilbert M. Simmons Library For the Year Ending May 31, 1908 |url=https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112073634575?urlappend=%3Bseq=33%3Bownerid=13510798903329364-47 |publisher=Gilbert M. Simmons Library |page= |access-date=27 April 2025}} In December 1910, Clara Barnes retired for health reasons and was succeeded by Cora Frantz as acting librarian; Frantz was confirmed as librarian the following June.{{cite report|author1=Frantz, Cora|date=1 June 1911 |title=Eleventh Annual Report of Gilbert M. Simmons Library For the Year Ending May 31, 1911 |url=https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112073634575?urlappend=%3Bseq=97%3Bownerid=13510798903329364-111 |publisher=Gilbert M. Simmons Library |page= |access-date=4 May 2025}}{{cite news |title=Clipping: New Librarian |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-new-librarian/171448597/|accessdate=4 May 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=27 June 1911|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}
==Development and expansion==
From 1911, books also began to be circulated through designated book deposit stations, with the first station established at the Kenosha YMCA.{{cite report|author1=Frantz, Cora|date=1 June 1912 |title=Twelfth Annual Report of Gilbert M. Simmons Library For the Year Ending May 31, 1912 |url=https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112073634575?urlappend=%3Bseq=117%3Bownerid=13510798903329364-131|publisher=Gilbert M. Simmons Library |page= |access-date=4 May 2025}} Although two deposit stations had previously been established at local businesses on the north side of Kenosha (in February 1903) and on the city's west side (in October 1904),{{cite news |title=North Side Library Station |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-north-side-library-station/170735085/|accessdate=4 May 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=20 February 1903|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}{{cite news |title=New Library Station |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-new-library-station/170734886/|accessdate=4 May 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=11 October 1904|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} respectively, both had been discontinued within months due to a general lack of patronage.{{cite news |title=Makes Good Report |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-makes-good-report/170734136/|accessdate=4 May 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=23 June 1904|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}{{cite news |title=Makes Her Report |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-makes-her-report/170734755/|accessdate=4 May 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=23 June 1905|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} By 1913, Kenosha's rapid growth justified it establishing a branch library in what was then the western part of the city.{{cite report|author1=Frantz, Cora M.|date=1 June 1914 |title=Fourteenth Annual Report of Gilbert M. Simmons Library For the Year Ending May 31st, 1914 |url=https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112073634583?urlappend=%3Bseq=9%3Bownerid=118612788-13|publisher=Gilbert M. Simmons Library |page= |access-date=10 May 2025}}{{cite report|author1=Frantz, Cora M.|date=1 January 1946 |title=Forty-Fifth Annual Report of Gilbert M. Simmons Library For the Year Ending December 31, 1945 |url=https://archive.org/details/annualreport1941gilb/page/n85/mode/2up|publisher=Gilbert M. Simmons Library |page= |access-date=10 May 2025}} On October 14, 1914, a temporary West Branch consisting of a single reading room was opened in a store building at the corner of Howland and Salem Avenues, both later renamed to Roosevelt Road and 22nd Avenue, respectively.{{cite report|author1=Frantz, Cora M.|date=1 June 1915 |title=Fifteenth Annual Report of Gilbert M. Simmons Library For the Year Ending May 31st, 1915 |url=https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112073634583?urlappend=%3Bseq=27%3Bownerid=118612788-31|publisher=Gilbert M. Simmons Library |page= |access-date=10 May 2025}} The library continued increasing the number and distribution of its book deposit stations, installing several in local factories during 1915.{{cite report|author1=Frantz, Cora M.|date=1 June 1916 |title=Sixteenth Annual Report of Gilbert M. Simmons Library For the Year Ending May 31st, 1916 |url=https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112073634583?urlappend=%3Bseq=43%3Bownerid=118612788-47|publisher=Gilbert M. Simmons Library |page= |access-date=10 May 2025}} In June 1917, following the sale of its building, the West Branch moved to a new location at the corner of 22nd Avenue and 61st Street.{{cite report|author1=Frantz, Cora M.|date=1 June 1917 |title=Seventeenth Annual Report of Gilbert M. Simmons Library For the Year Ending May 31st, 1917 |url=https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112073634583?urlappend=%3Bseq=59%3Bownerid=118612788-63|publisher=Gilbert M. Simmons Library |page= |access-date=10 May 2025}} On May 28, 1919,{{cite news |title=A New Library In Kenosha |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-a-new-library-in-kenosha/172179515/|accessdate=11 May 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=27 May 1919|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} a North Side Branch library was opened in a rented store at 4416 Sheridan Road.{{cite report|author1=Frantz, Cora M.|date=1 June 1919 |title=Nineteenth Annual Report of Gilbert M. Simmons Library For the Year Ending May 31st, 1919 |url=https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112073634583?urlappend=%3Bseq=93%3Bownerid=118612788-97|publisher=Gilbert M. Simmons Library |page= |access-date=10 May 2025}}
In September 1919,{{cite report|author1=Frantz, Cora M.|date=1 June 1920 |title=Twentieth Annual Report of Gilbert M. Simmons Library For the Year Ending May 31st, 1920 |url=https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112073634583?urlappend=%3Bseq=109%3Bownerid=118612788-113|publisher=Gilbert M. Simmons Library |page= |access-date=10 May 2025}} an independent survey conducted by the Wisconsin Library Commission found the original Simmons library - now the Central Library - to have "outgrown its building," and deemed its "crowded and inconvenient quarters" and available floor space incompatible with modern library planning requirements.{{cite news |title=Library Service Plan Finished|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-library-service-plan-finish/171721051/|accessdate=10 May 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=3 October 1919|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} In response, several modifications were made to increase available space for books, but overcrowding at the Central Library remained a significant problem for the next six decades. During 1919–1920, 14 new book deposit stations were installed in city schools, and the popularity of the North Branch led to its moving to larger rented rooms at 706 43rd St.{{cite report|author1=Frantz, Cora M.|date=1 June 1921 |title=Twenty-First Annual Report of Gilbert M. Simmons Library For the Year Ending May 31st, 1921 |url=https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112073634583?urlappend=%3Bseq=125%3Bownerid=118612788-131|publisher=Gilbert M. Simmons Library |page= |access-date=10 May 2025}} In January 1924,{{cite report|author1=Frantz, Cora M.|date=1 January 1924 |title=Twenty-Third Annual Report of Gilbert M. Simmons Library For the Year Ending December 31st, 1923 |url=https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112073634583?urlappend=%3Bseq=155%3Bownerid=118612788-163|publisher=Gilbert M. Simmons Library |page= |access-date=15 May 2025}} three one-room branch libraries were established at the Lincoln, Washington, and McKinley junior high schools. The former North Branch library then became the Washington Branch. Named after their respective school locations and intended to serve as combination school and community libraries, each branch was housed in a specially designed temporary building on school grounds, with capacity for approximately 1,300 volumes and 36 patrons. The popularity of the West Branch in its increasingly crowded rented space prompted the building of a dedicated West Branch Library.{{cite report|author1=Frantz, Cora M.|date=1 January 1925 |title=Twenty-Fourth Annual Report of Gilbert M. Simmons Library For the Year Ending December 31st, 1924 |url=https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112073634583?urlappend=%3Bseq=165%3Bownerid=118612788-173|publisher=Gilbert M. Simmons Library |page= |access-date=23 May 2025}} Construction of the new brick West Branch building began in October 1924 and was completed the following April; on May 30, 1925, the new location was dedicated, opening to the public on July 1.
To expand children's library services, Kenosha purchased the disused Henry M. Simmons Memorial Unitarian Church building on January 9, 1928, converting it into the Simmons Boys' and Girls' Library.{{cite news |title=Church Bought For Annex to City Library (1)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-church-bought-for-annex-to/173281768/|accessdate=27 May 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=10 January 1928|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}{{cite news |title=Church Bought For Annex to City Library (2)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-church-bought-for-annex-to/173281855/|accessdate=27 May 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=10 January 1928|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} At its dedication on April 12, 1929, the new children's library, which opened the following day, was the first dedicated children's library in Wisconsin and the third such library nationally.{{cite news |title=New Library Is Dedicated|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-bahai-flora-hottes-in-open/55151692/|accessdate=27 May 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=13 April 1929|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} The Simmons library developed and broadened its services during the Depression and World War II, despite a general war-related fall in overall circulation during the latter years. Despite a 1935 expansion of the Central Library basement, the size of the collection held in the building exceeded its available shelving capacity by 1943, when the total number of volumes held by the Simmons Library system surpassed 100,000.{{cite report|author1=Frantz, Cora M.|date=1 January 1944 |title=Forty-Third Annual Report of Gilbert M. Simmons Library For the Year Ending December 31st, 1943 |url=https://archive.org/details/annualreport1941gilb/page/n45/mode/2up|publisher=Gilbert M. Simmons Library |page= |access-date=28 May 2025}} Extensive weeding in 1944 temporarily freed shelf space at the Central Library.{{cite report|author1=Frantz, Cora M.|date=1 January 1945 |title=Forty-Fourth Annual Report of Gilbert M. Simmons Library For the Year Ending December 31st, 1944 |url=https://archive.org/details/annualreport1941gilb/page/n65/mode/2up|publisher=Gilbert M. Simmons Library |page= |access-date=28 May 2025}} In April 1944, the classroom library at the Bain elementary school was upgraded to a school and community library to better serve patrons in the vicinity. On May 1, 1946, Cora Frantz retired after 35 years as head librarian of the Simmons Library,{{cite report|author1=Huth, Dorothy L.|date=1 January 1947 |title=Forty-Sixth Annual Report of Gilbert M. Simmons Library|url=https://archive.org/details/annualreport1941gilb/page/34/mode/2up|publisher=Gilbert M. Simmons Library |page= |access-date=28 May 2025}} and was succeeded by Dorothy L. Huth (1898–1979).{{cite news |title=Obituary: Dorothy L. Huth|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-obituary-for-dorothy-l-hut/171924561/|accessdate=28 May 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=18 June 1979|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}} The city's first professionally educated librarian, Huth had served as circulation librarian since 1941, prior to which she had headed the public library in Whitewater.{{cite news |title=Miss Dorothy Huth: City Librarian Plans to Retire|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-miss-dorothy-huth-city-li/171584793/|accessdate=28 May 2025 |work=Kenosha News |date=14 January 1963|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}
Recognition
KPL was named the Power of Libraries Award Winner in 2018,{{cite web|title=Power of Libraries|url=https://www.sirsidynix.com/power-of-libraries/|publisher=SirsiDynix|accessdate=2024-12-28}} Wisconsin Library Association's 2020 Library of the Year,{{cite web|title=Kenosha Public Library honored as Library of the Year|url=https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-public-library-honored-as-library-of-the-year/article_2296f06a-ecc5-5e27-8912-ad827fc233a7.html|publisher=Kenosha News|accessdate=2024-12-25}}{{cite web|title=2020 Awards Announcements|url=https://www.wisconsinlibraries.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3037:2020-awards-honors&catid=73:awards-honors&Itemid=263|publisher=Wisconsin Library Association|accessdate=2024-12-25}} and a finalist for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2021.{{cite web|title=KPL selected as finalist for National Medal for Museum and Library Science|url=https://www.kenosha.com/2021/03/18/kpl-selected-as-finalist-for-national-medal-for-museum-and-library-science/|publisher=Kenosha.com|accessdate=2024-12-25}}