Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library

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Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library
Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library, front view
Map
Alternative namesSimmons Neighborhood Library
EtymologyGilbert Maurice Simmons
General information
StatusCompleted
TypeLibrary
Address711 59th Place
Town or cityKenosha, Wisconsin
CountryUnited States
Current tenantsKenosha Public Library
Construction started1899
Completed1900
OpeningJuly 1900
InauguratedMay 1900
Cost$150,000
OwnerCity of Kenosha
Height
Top floor3
Technical details
Floor count3
Floor area9,045 sqft
Lifts/elevators0
Design and construction
Architect(s)Daniel Burnham
DeveloperOssian Cole Simonds
Other information
Parking14
Public transit accessMetra : Kenosha station, line Union Pacific / North Line
Kenosha Area Transit, routes 2 and 4
Website
https://www.mykpl.info/simmons
Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library
Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library is located in Wisconsin
Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library
Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library is located in the United States
Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library
Location711 59th Pl., Kenosha, Wisconsin
Coordinates42°34′50″N 87°49′10″W / 42.58056°N 87.81944°W / 42.58056; -87.81944
Architectural styleClassical Revival
Part ofLibrary Park Historic District (ID88002657)
NRHP reference No.74000093[1]
Significant dates
Added to NRHPDecember 17, 1974
Designated WHSLJanuary 1, 1989.
Exterior view of the Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library, July 2022

The Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library is located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, United States, and is a location of the Kenosha Public Library (KPL). KPL consists of 4 locations, an Outreach department, and is a member of both the Kenosha County Library System (KCLS)[2] and the SHARE Consortium.[3] The Simmons Memorial Library was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, and was the first formal location for KPL.[4][5] KPL was named the Power of Libraries Award Winner in 2018,[6] Wisconsin Library Association's 2020 Library of the Year,[7][8] and a finalist for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2021.[9]

History[edit]

The Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library was the first public building in the City Park district in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Upon its completion, City Park became known as Library Park. Daniel Burnham designed the Neoclassical library while Ossian Cole Simonds developed the landscaping plan. Former Kenosha mayor Zalmon G. Simmons donated $150,000 for the building's construction on the condition that it be named in honor for his deceased son. The city agreed, and the library opened to the public on May 30, 1900.[10][11] As the city's first public library building, Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library greatly increased the volumes of literature available to the citizens of Kenosha. By the mid-1910s, the library had 124,368 volumes and sought to expand with a branch library.[12]

Library interior

The building was recognized by the National Park Service with a listing on the National Register of Historic Places on December 17, 1974. When the Library Park Historic District was created in 1988, the library was listed as a contributing property.[1]

There are rumors of the library being haunted by a female ghost and a legend of a secret tomb in the library.[13]

Governance[edit]

The Kenosha Public Library 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.[14]

Services[edit]

Collections[edit]

The Simmons Library's collection count is over 13,000 items, has access to over 275,000 items via the other Kenosha Public Library locations, and over 2 million items through the partnership with libraries in Racine County, Walworth County, and Rock County.[15]

Digital collections[edit]

Kenosha Public Library cardholders can digitally borrow books, music and movies since 2017 by creating an account on the online platform Hoopla.[16] The Library also offers audiobook, e-book, and eMagazine services, including OverDrive eBooks & eAudiobooks, TeachingBooks Library, Ebsco eBooks, and Online tutoring, delivered via the library's website.[17]

Technology[edit]

The Simmons Library technology services include public access computers and free wireless internet access throughout the library. The Library provides access to e-books, music, movies, and other electronic collections. The library provides access to a color printer & copier for a fee. Printing at the library uses a secure release station to help protect patron privacy, with a secondary printer located in the Children's Room. A fax machine is also available for public use, with a 3D printer available by request from the Southwest Library.[18] The library operates a Book Break telephone hotline during the COVID-19 pandemic, which reads stories to children.[19]

The library system uses RFID pads on all library materials where users only need to place the book on a table and check out occurs without scanning.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. ^ "Kenosha County Library System". mykcls.info. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  3. ^ "SHARE Consortium". lakeshores.lib.wi.us. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  4. ^ "Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library". Landmark Hunter.com. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  5. ^ "Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library". Wisconsin Historic Society. January 2012. Retrieved June 30, 2018.
  6. ^ "Power of Libraries". SirsiDynix. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  7. ^ "Kenosha Public Library honored as Library of the Year". Kenosha News. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  8. ^ "2020 Awards Announcements". Wisconsin Library Association. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  9. ^ "KPL selected as finalist for National Medal for Museum and Library Science". Kenosha.com. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  10. ^ "Library Park Historic District – Visitors' Guide" (PDF). Retrieved June 30, 2018.
  11. ^ Engel, Charlene Stant (July 1, 1974). "Simmons, Gilbert M., Memorial Library". NRHP Inventory-Nomination Form. United States Department of the Interior. National Park Service. Retrieved June 30, 2018. With one photo.
  12. ^ Public Libraries: A Monthly Review of Library Matters and Methods. Vol. 19. Chicago, Illinois: Library Bureau. 1914.
  13. ^ Gaitan, Daniel dgaitan@kenoshanews.com (October 27, 2017). "Is Simmons Library haunted? Some think so". Kenosha News. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  14. ^ "Board of Trustees". mykpl.info. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  15. ^ "Member Libraries". lakeshores.lib.wi.us. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  16. ^ "Hoopla! Download movies, comics, and more". mykpl.info. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  17. ^ "Digital Resources". Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  18. ^ "(3D) Printing, Copying, Faxing, Scanning". mykpl.info/. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  19. ^ "Fun for Kids at KPL". mykpl.info. Retrieved July 25, 2021.

External links[edit]

Media related to Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library at Wikimedia Commons

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